PELLA —
Pella High School senior Michael Etnyre has just recently been accepted into the West Point Academy, located in New York. One of the most prestigious schools in the nation, West Point is one of the nation’s military academies where students are educated as officers in training for the United States Military.
Etnyre started work on the application as soon as he was eligible to apply. With an acceptance rate of only 9 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Education, the school is hard to get into and the application is quite extensive. Students are accepted upon the status of their grades, ACT score, leadership and physical fitness. Etnyre also had to receive a nomination from a prominent individual, which he received from former Representative Leonard Boswell, and submit three essays as part of his application process.
Etnyre’s father, Andy Etnyre, also attended West Point Academy and is a 1990 graduate. Etnyre expressed his interest in going to the school after his sophomore year, and with the support of his parents started the application process last January, as soon as he was able to when he turned 17.
“I’m excited for him, it’s what he wants to do and it’s a great opportunity,” his mother, Jennifer Etnyre said.
Last Monday, Etnyre was greeted by his mom after track practice with a letter in her hand from West Point. He immediately opened it and was extremely excited to find his acceptance letter inside.
"I felt a lot of relief because up to that point I didn't know what else I wanted to do after high school. It is a relief to know all that hard work paid off," Etnyre commented.
Etnyre will leave for the academy in July to complete basic training and will begin his studies in August. He will be required to serve in the military after he completes his studies at West Point.
"It's going to be a cool opportunity to meet new friends from all over the U.S. I'm a little nervous, but excited too," Etnyre said.
Community News Network
Pella student accepted to West Point
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