Mirror staff reports:

King County Councilman Pete von Reichbauer gave special recognition to Isaac Wani, who was recently accepted to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Isaac, a 2012 Federal Way High School graduate, was nominated by U.S. Congressman Adam Smith to the U.S. Air Force Academy for his exceptional academic skills and character, and his ability to demonstrate a commitment to serve his country.

Isaac and his siblings moved from the African country of Sudan when he was 12 to be reunited with their father after being separated for more than 10 years.

During the conflicts in Sudan, Isaac fled the country with his siblings and their mother. In the chaos, Isaac’s father became isolated in another country. During this period of separation, Isaac’s mother passed away. He and his siblings were forced to make the long journey to the United States to reconnect with their father in Federal Way.