Student Pledges to Serve Country, Heading to West Point

Matthew Williams

Age: 18

School: Deerfield High School

Accomplishments: While many graduating seniors are looking forward to a long, relaxing break this summer, Matthew Williams is anticipating something entirely different. June 27 marks his first day as a cadet at The United States Military Academy at West Point. He’ll attend the school’s Reception Day, punctuating the end of his civilian life and the beginning of a military career.

Last year, Williams was accepted into West Point’s summer leadership program, where he got to experience life as a student at West Point, learning about the experiences he’d get when he attended after graduating. “Upon completion of the [summer leadership program], I knew for sure that West Point was where I wanted to be in the fall next year.” 

Of course Williams understands the different college experience he is in for. Any young man who enrolls at West Point must be well balanced, with a combination of intellect, athletic ability, and leadership qualities. There is no “Freshman Fifteen” at West Point, because GPA is based on athletics as well as academics and leadership ability. “Every day will be full of physical activities [like] swimming, boxing, wrestling, and any collegiate sport,” he said. “I hope to be able to make the track team but if not, a cadet is required to take part in company sport activities as well as daily physical training.”

Williams plans to major in either systems engineering or English while at West Point. He must serve a required five years after graduating, where he’ll then be free to do as he pleases outside of the military. “I plan on remaining a reserve and continuing my education to receive a doctorate in both theology and whichever of the two fields I plan to major in,” he said and added, “I hope to be both a preacher and a track coach in a local community.”

Key To Awesomeness: Though Williams’ parents were understandably hesitant about sending their son to military school, they quickly supported him after coming to understand Williams' desire to serve his country as well as West Point’s excellent reputation. “They began greatly supporting my endeavor,” Williams said, realizing that the ultimate goal of a West Point cadet is not only to become an achieved military officer but also a better human being.

Williams understands the importance of serving in the US military; he is patriotic and wants to contribute to the country he loves in a meaningful and tangible way. “Going to any other college… I don’t believe I would have accomplished as much as I will during my time at West Point,” Williams said. “I hope to come into contact with a huge variety of people and I truly desire to make a difference in their lives.