Polson graduates congressional nominees for past three years

Polson High School senior Nathaniel Young earned himself an American military service academy nomination this December for his excellent academic record.

Young is one of several Montana students who will continue through their academic and military careers as nominees, and possible appointed members of various service branches.

The nomination, made by Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke, endorsed Young for entry into the United States Air Force as a student with an “exemplary academic record and a strong resume of service and extracurricular activities,” Heather Swift, a representative for Zinke said in a press release.

A Congressional nomination is required for entry into these academies.

Polson High School 2015 graduate Nicholas Becker was nominated by Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines. 

Becker and his fellow 2015 Polson High School graduate Tomas Sylvester attend New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell. The New Mexico Military Institute prepares cadets for future service through challenging academics, leadership preparation and character development and is the only state-supported co-educational college preparatory high school and junior college in the United States.

Becker started working towards the Merchant Marine Academy late in my junior year and throughout my senior year at Polson High School. 

In the future, Becker hopes to be appointed to the United States Merchant Marines or Navy. Sylvester comes from three previous generations of United States Naval veterans and hopes to enter the Navy.

But for Becker and Sylvester, the first move was to attend the institute’s Service Academy Prep program.

While there, Becker is learning lessons that will open the doors to success for his lifetime. 

“It was about seven in the morning and already smoldering from the New Mexico heat,” Becker said about his first life-changing moment at the academy. 

“I was on the RAT (Recruit at Training) line, which is a line (where) all of the RATS have to stand in front before we go and drill or form up. While standing there, we were made to hold our elbows at a 90-degree angle and read our knowledge books, small books containing all we needed to know about the Corps of Cadets at NMMI.”

One of Becker’s superiors singled him out.

“The Cadre (a cadet of rank who trains the RATS) decided to pick on me to tell him what rank he was describing. I told him, ‘I don’t know Sir,’ meekly.”

Becker’s superior replied by yelling “SIR! Oh thanks for the promotion!” 

The superior informed Becker he was not a ‘sir’ or of officer rank.

“He dropped me, meaning he made me do push ups, until I could barely do any more. It was nerve racking being immersed in this type of thing so quickly. I got dropped three more times that day, more than all of my other RAT buddies did, and it was a little bit de-motivating.”

But Becker did not give up. In fact, in time he grew stronger and wiser. 

“My work ethic here comes from my passionate motivation to get into the United States Merchant Marine Academy.

“I love the water, sailing, and the opportunity that the Academy has to offer,” he said. 

Becker’s best allies are those who work along side him, also on a mission to move on to a military academy.

“(The prep program) also helps me to get a feel for the work load and time management, something very important if one wants to excel at the academy.”

Becker said he is happy for Young.

“If I had any advice for Young, I would tell him to expect very challenging academics, meaning it’s important to stay on top of things,” Becker said. “Not only is the schooling hard, but it is mixed in with all the other stuff one has to do being a cadet. Just remember why you’re there and what your end goal is. That’s what makes me push through.”

Carlton Sisler, a 2014 Polson High School graduate is in his second year at West Point. Sisler was nominated by Zinke, Daines and Tester.

Sisler remains active in the West Point Glee Club Choral program and sang for United State President Barack Obama in 2015.

Zinke, a 23-year United States Navy officer, said he sees serving in the military as an honor.

“Our nation faces turbulence around the globe,” Zinke said “…but I have no doubt these young men and women have what it takes to serve with distinction and advance freedom.”

Young was one of 24 Zinke nominees.

A nomination from a member of Congress is the first step in applying to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, or the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

“It is an honor to nominate some of Montana’s most accomplished students to represent our state at the nation’s military academies,” Tester said. “Montana has a proud tradition of service and these young leaders are the latest generation of those willing to serve. These students make our state proud, and I wish them well on their journey to becoming outstanding leaders in our military.”

Tester nominated students based on their academic achievement, leadership, community service, and participation in extracurricular activities.

The collective group expects to serve in the multiple branches of the United States Military.

Becker’s mother, Lisa Becker said she believes children need roots and wings.

“We have done our best to afford our children every opportunity to become successful adults stressing academic excellence, servant leadership and an empathetic mindset. These are wings which should sustain them wherever their life journeys take them,” Lisa Becker said.