Plymouth Whitemarsh High School senior Fiona Yiaski is joining the Army National Guard, where she will train to become a combat engineer.
She will complete basic training and specialized training in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, where she will learn about demolition, explosives, wire obstacles, fixed bridge building, operating heavy equipment, and more. After she completes training, she returns home and serves one weekend a month and two weeks a summer on active duty status with her unit. She’ll attend Chestnut Hill College while awaiting orders and will serve for eight years.
Fiona Yiaski is seen here with her family. From left to right in back of her are Arabella Yiaski, Andrew Yiaski III, Angela Yiaski, and Adrienne Yiaski.
“I am looking forward to training for my chosen career and using my talents to serve my community and country,” she said.
Fiona became interested in a National Guard path when she was contacted by a recruiter. Once she learned more about what military life could be like and what she could offer, she decided to join. After four years at PW, she said she is a “changed” person who is ready for her next steps.
“The last four years, I have grown to become more focused, mature, and serious, but I can still crack a joke,” she said. “I feel as if the person I am now will bring great things to the National Guard.”
Fiona is currently a dual enrollment student and has served as House Management for PW’s play and musical productions. She took pride in writing playbills for the productions, as well as in writing for the Town Crier (school newspaper) and The Continental (literary magazine). She received a certificate of academic achievement in her junior year and achieved Scholastic Honor Roll for the first semester of her senior year.