North Rockland senior Joseph Grimm's decision to choose the U.S. Military Academy at West Point was an easy one.

"I like it for many different reasons," Grimm said. "It's more than just a college where you're getting an education. It's teaching you about character, and I liked that, as well as helping you prepare for life."

One of the requirements for West Point is to complete five years of active service after graduation. Does the track star have any reservations about the military with all that's going on overseas?

"It's only natural to be scared," Grimm said. "I believe in what they're doing and that what they're doing is valuable."

Grimm has already had some preparation for Army life, having participated in the Civil Air Patrol as a sophomore.

"It's kind of like an ROTC program, but more energized," Grimm said. "They gave you an opportunity to fly planes. I got to fly a Cessna, which is a little four- seater plane, at a local county airport."

The Thiells resident said his close proximity to West Point was another reason he chose the Military Academy. Grimm has visited several times for field trips and hockey games at the Cadets' rink.

Grimm is taking four advanced-placement courses, but is maintaining a 99 average at North Rockland. He believes his hefty schedule as a high school senior is helping him prepare for life as a Cadet.

"At West Point, one of the things that they stress is good time-management skills," Grimm said. "Taking all these AP courses with the teachers that I've had, I've learned how to balance it and make time for everything, as well as have time to run track and have a life."

Grimm placed second at the Rockland County Cross Country Championships in October, and earlier this week he made himself comfortable at his future home by winning the 1,500-meter run at the West Point Invitational.

Among his other school activities, Grimm also is a student government representative, member of the School Improvement Planning Team and co-coordinator of Varsity Athletes Against Substance Abuse (VAASA).

"We're going in February to talk to the kids, and it's been awesome," Grimm said of his VAASA experience. "Last year we did a lot and talking to the younger kids, seeing how they look up to you, and I really liked that."

After all is said and done, where does the Red Raiders' senior see himself in 10 years?

"I know that going to West Point, a lot of opportunities will open up because it is a good and highly regarded institution," Grimm said. "I want to be in a position where people believe in me and in what I want to do, because I want to believe in what I do."