CLARKSBURG, W.Va (WDTV) – While most high school students are starting to get college acceptance letters, others are awaiting letters of another kind. Students pursuing U.S . Service academies may have to wait a little longer for acceptance letters, but nominations are out! And for one Notre Dame High school student receiving a nomination puts him one step closer to his dream.
Senior Alex Altenburg wears many hats at Notre Dame High school.
"One of the biggest things I do here at Notre Dame is the Irish Online Network, which is a school-based broadcast program. I play soccer and I swim," said Alex.
Now planning the next phase of his life, he hopes to attend the United States Military Academy for what he describes as a well-rounded experience.
"I wanted something that was more than just an education. So the service academies offer education, not only in academics but in leadership. And they are going to give me the opportunity to serve my country," he said.
Alex is one of 32 students in the state to be nominated by Senator Shelley Moore Capito for admission into a U.S. Service Academy.
"It was very exciting. I felt like I fulfilled what I had been working towards and I think I swam a little bit faster that day," said Alex.
The nomination came as no surprise to those who know the determined teen.
"Alex is a very dedicated student. We knew even as early as his sophomore year that Alex was going to pursue acceptance into one of the academies. And so he has worked towards that," said Carroll Morrison, Principal at Notre Dame High school.
As Alex awaits an acceptance letter, he's optimistic that he'll get to take the first step towards becoming an officer in the Armed Forces. A journey he knows won't be easy.
"There's a lot of work, but it's definitely worth it. Because even if I don't end up getting accepted into one of the service academies, the knowledge I've gained through this is going to help me for the rest of my life," said Alex.