Charlo student accepted to West Point
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CHARLO – Charlo high school senior Joel Lewis has a big decision to make in the coming weeks. Lewis’ strong work ethic in school and performance on the athletic field have made him stand out to some of the most respected military academies in the United States. He has applied for acceptance with three.
After being nominated by U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, Lewis was accepted into the prestigious U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y. this past week.
“It’s a huge honor to be accepted,” he said, “(But) I still don’t know where I will be going.”
According to Lewis, he is waiting to hear whether he has been accepted to two other leading academies, the Air Force Academy and Naval Academy. He says that if he had his choice, he would choose the Air Force Academy.
“I really want to fly, and the Air Force would be my best chance to do so,” Lewis said, “I also have personal reasons (for choosing the Air Force). Yet, it's an honor to be considered at all three academies.”
He noted that the process for being accepted into an academy such as the Air Force or West Point is no simple task, Lewis began as a freshman working diligently to improve his resume. He currently has a 4.0 GPA, and has lettered in football and wrestling, all activities that are considered for acceptance.
Lewis is also actively involved in National Honor Society, Business Professionals of America, and Skills USA.
“They are a lot of fun, I like to get involved whenever I can,” he said.
Lewis was also nominated for the All State football team this past year. An injury kept him from being able to wrestle in the 189 weight class.
According to Lewis, he plans on trying out for wrestling for whichever academy he attends.
“I love wrestling and it would be exciting to wrestle at the next level,” he said.
In addition to improving his resume, Lewis had to take a candidate fitness assessment, through which applicants are screened in the areas of academics, character, and athletics.
Lewis also had to work with Sen. Jon Tester, and Congressman Denny Rehberg to gain their approval.
To gain approval from Tester, Lewis sent in his application, where Tester’s staff decides who is accepted.
In December, Lewis traveled to Bozeman to meet with Rehberg, where he went before a board of military officers in a question and answer session to be approved.
After completing his secondary education, Lewis says that he wants to begin his career as a jet pilot for the military. He says that after flying on his own a few times, he became interested in flying as a possible career.
“Driving a car is more fun than riding in a car, I feel that way about flying,” Lewis said.
He credits his father, Jim Lewis, for keeping him in line and focused on success.
“(My parents) are very excited for me,” Lewis said, “My dad pushed me through all the tough times, and I’m glad he did now.”
Though he still isn’t sure which academy he’ll attend in the fall, Lewis says he is thrilled to begin his career with the military.
“I am excited to have the opportunity to do something like this.”
