Polson grad receives opportunity of a lifetime
Kent Luetzen
Nicholas Becker
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POLSON – A boy who spent most of his early childhood playing in the water of Flathead Lake has found a career opportunity that experience replicates. Polson graduate Nicholas Becker, 19, has received a full appointment to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. His mother, Lisa Becker, was not surprised with his passion to stay in an aqua-related job path.
“He loves the water,” Lisa Becker said. “He spent a lot of time helping his dad at work, assisting with distressed boaters.”
Nicholas attributes his choice to apply for the Merchant Marine Academy when he spent a full year living on sailboat in 2012 with his family.
“My family bought a 52-foot sailboat when the economy tanked and we basically fled into Mexico trying to wait everything out,” Nicholas Becker said. “There, I realized how much I loved the ocean and especially boats. I actually kept a list of the types of boats I went on throughout the entire trip.”
The Merchant Marine Academy is a U.S service academy located in Kings Point, on Long Island, New York. There are five different U.S. service academies (i.e. West Point, Naval Academy, Coast Guard, Air Force Academy) each with different purposes, according to Nicholas Becker.
“USMMA’s focus is on maritime service and transportation,” Nicholas Becker said. “When (someone) is appointed, there are different routes they can go as far as what they would like to study and make a career out of.”
When Becker was appointed to this prestigious academy, not only did he receive a future career, he received a $250,000 education that is paid for by the U.S. government.
“We are very proud of what he has done and of all his accomplishments,” Lisa Becker said.
The qualifications and application for the Merchant Marine Academy are quite rigorous, according to Nicholas.
“First of all, one needs to have a good high school GPA and need to have participated in community service as well as other extra-curricular activities,” Becker said. He participated in his high school’s Board of Governors, tennis, lacrosse, and he skied. Although Becker was on the right track, he still had more steps to take.
“I had to do two Skype interviews with Senator Daines and Representative Zinke and fill out a lengthy online form for Senator Tester,” he said.
Tester and Daines nominated Nicholas in December of 2015, and he then continued to fill out the rest of the application.
“It was a waiting game,” Nicholas said.
The lawmakers praised Nicholas in a recent press release.
“Nicholas will make Montana and all of America proud as an officer in the United States Merchant Marines,” Tester said. “His stellar academic record and his leadership experience make him an outstanding candidate to join our military. I appreciate his willingness to serve.”
Daines agreed.
“Nicholas’ dedication to his studies and extra-curriculars makes him not only an impressive student, but an incredible addition to our Armed Forces,” Daines said.
As for now, Nicholas is going to wait until he gets more “first-hand experience at the academy” to make any big decisions.
“I will have the chance to travel to around 20 different countries during my sea year, a year spent shadowing what its really like to be working on a ship,” Nicholas said. “Other than that, just to progress my leadership skills and be able to serve my country.”
