Girl’s Promise Becomes Real At Coast Guard Graduation

CAPE MAY – Early impressions are long lasting. That was proven May 29 when Alexandria Lypka graduated from Coast Guard Training Center Cape May.
Long-time Herald readers got their first glimpse of Lypka in 2006. The granddaughter of James and Barbara Vanore, Lypka’s first Christmas photo decorated the cover of the Herald’s On Deck magazine Nov. 15, 2006.
Her grandfather, Jim Vanore, longtime writer-editor with Herald publications, wrote, “That small package on the front cover is 11-month-old Alex as she prepares to celebrate her first Christmas, followed the next day by her first birthday. (Note to her relatives: Please don’t “swindle” Alex through the years by giving her a present on Christmas Eve and saying, “Now this is for both Christmas and your birthday.”
When Lypka was 9, she summered with her grandparents who rented an apartment on Pennsylvania Avenue, Cape May.
Recalled Vanore, “Alex used to sit out on the step and watch the Coast Guard companies jogging by and singing cadence. It fascinated her, and she declared, “Someday, I’m going to join the Coast Guard.”
During the ensuing 10 years, she never wavered in that commitment. Her dream materialized, made possible by hard work spurred by determination.
Seaman Apprentice Lypka graduated in recruit company Delta 191. The Westville resident will be assigned to Oak Island, N.C. Coast Guard Station where she will train as a boatswain’s mate.”
Making graduation extra special for both granddaughter and grandfather, Vanore wore an Air Force uniform. As a veteran of that service, he was permitted to present her with the graduation certificate.