Polson High senior receives congressional nomination to military academies
Marianne Wiest photograph
Nathan Young
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POLSON — Nathan Young, a senior at Polson High School, was one of 24 Montana seniors to be nominated to attend military service academies throughout the country. He was the only student in Lake County to receive congressional nominations from Sen. Jon Tester and Sen. Steve Daines, as well as Congressman Ryan Zinke. He was nominated for the Air Force Academy, the Naval Academy, and Merchant Marine Academy.
“Having served in the U.S. Navy myself, I view it as one of the biggest responsibilities and honors of my job to nominate intelligent and motivated Montana students to attend the U.S. military service academies,” Zinke wrote in a Dec. 7 press release.
No stranger to public service, Young spent his freshman year abroad in Kiev, Ukraine, studying Russian. While in Ukraine, his spare time was spent volunteering at missions helping disabled and elderly Ukrainians. Upon his return to the U.S., Young announced his intentions to enter into the military academy, specifically the Air Force because of his interest in flying.
Anthony Young, Nathan’s father, described his son as “beyond mature.”
Currently Young is involved with the Polson High School student council, LINK Crew Leadership Program, the National Honor Society, and is active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Association. He is a youth leader and band member for Fresh Life Church. He completed his Eagle Scout requirements in two years rather than the average of four.
Young’s Scout Master, Jeff Heninger, described how most who embark on becoming an Eagle Scout typically start when they are 12 years old and finish by 18. Young started when he was 15 and spent time with younger kids to meet his goal. The program develops leadership, outdoor skills and citizenship. Heninger said that Young worked really hard, and was very motivated.
“It was awesome working with Nathan; he mapped out his plan. This is (a) credit to him in how hard he worked,” Heninger said.
Young is also a team captain for Ten Sticks Lacrosse. He lettered in varsity football his junior year, but decided to take a break from football to pursue his passion for community service. He now spends his time raising money for “Speed the Light,” a charitable foundation for missionaries.
Nathan was also accepted into an internship program at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center, where he will explore his interest in orthopedic medicine.
“Above all, what motivates me most is to secure a good future for myself and to make those around me proud,” Young said.
When asked what he liked to do in his free time, Young mentioned observing surgeries at St. Joseph’s, playing in his band, skiing and snowboarding.
