The United States military academies are among the most prestigious institutions that the US has to offer. The army’s academy, called West Point, is located in West Point, New York. All of the academies are incredibly difficult to get into, due to the high standards and the amount of money the government is investing in each of the candidates.
Students with aspirations to go to a service academy must have many incredible traits. Students must demonstrate leadership through their extracurricular activities, maintain a high grade point average, excel on the SAT or ACT, and receive a congressional nomination.
Regardless, both of these students are some of Norwin’s finest and have been rewarded for their hard work with a placement at West Point Military Academy, which has an acceptance rate of about 12%.
Both Chaney and Lahlou have been involved with cross country and track during their time at Norwin High School. They have both been involved with numerous extracurricular activities, all while being at the top of their class.
To get better insight into their experience, the questions they answered are below.
Lillian Chaney (NHS class of 2026):
How would you describe the process of trying to get into West Point?
The application process was a yearlong Odyssey full of challenging side quests. Each step of the way was a possible elimination point: physical qualification, medical qualification and obtaining a congressional nomination. My preparation for West Point started in Middle School with my commitment to becoming a well-rounded scholar, athlete and a leader. I have spent several years challenging myself both academically and physically, taking AP classes, being a 3 sport athlete, and competing in Science Olympiad.
How would you describe your emotions in finding out that you got in?
Going to West Point is something that I have dreamed about for a long time. In my experience, no matter what competition I’m participating in, I rarely win. Applying to West Point is a really competitive process and I didn’t expect to receive an appointment. When I opened the offer letter and discovered that I had been selected, I was so happy but also in total shock. It was very emotional for my family and I. The realization that my life is about to completely change and that I will be on this path for at least the next 10 years of my life, is thrilling and also daunting. I feel extremely honored to be selected to represent Pennsylvania at USMA West Point. West Point provides free education valued at more than $300k and I will receive a monthly stipend to attend. In reality I have won the biggest scholarship and I hope to make the most of it and learn and grow a lot.
What is your reason for wanting to go to West Point?
I want to follow in the footsteps of my family members who have also served in the military. I believe it is important to serve my country to defend the values of the United States of America. A West Point education is unique; it is not only an undergraduate degree program, it is also a world class leadership program rich with history and traditions. At West Point I will be pushed to my limits physically and I will emerge as a leader of character ready to take on the duties of defending the nation. The culture of excellence at West Point means that I will be surrounded by other individuals focused on academic, military, and physical development. Also it is pretty amazing to go to the same school as the astronaut Buzz Aldrin, and US Presidents Ulysses S. Grant and Dwight D. Eisenhower. The campus is beautiful on the Hudson river with million dollar views and the dining hall is like something out of Hogwarts.
Is there anything or anyone that has inspired you to take this path?
I thought about taking the regular university route. It would be easier for sure as I wouldn’t have to go in a gas chamber, or jump out of a helicopter, or figure out how to precisely cut cake and serve upperclassmen. I would also have my summers free to do whatever. However, in order to join the long gray line of West Point graduates, I will have to reach my potential in leadership, academics and physically. I would definitely say Coach Martin, my wrestling coach has inspired me a lot with anything in life to always push myself and never give up. And I will definitely apply that mindset to every challenge I face at West Point and for the rest of my life.
Going forward with your education at West Point what is one thing you are most excited about?
Of course at West Point I am excited to take new classes and learn and grow a lot academically. But, I am really excited for the military aspect of it. I am especially excited to go on rucks and test myself both mentally and physically. I am also super excited to just be there and experience everything and meet new people.
Adam Lahlou (NHS class of 2025):
How would you describe the process of trying to get into West Point?
The process to get into West Point requires a lot of patience, faith, and dedication. I started my application my sophomore year of high school; so each academic decision i made from then on had West Point in mind. For me, faith in God and confidence in my abilities got me through the entire application, especially during the long waiting periods between each step.
How would you describe your emotions in finding out that you got in?
I was helping a family friend fix a fence on some farm land that he inherited when he told my that my mom was trying to reach me. I checked my phone to see a few missed calls and a text message with a photo of a package from West Point. I instantly knew that my acceptance letter and certificate was inside. Seeing my name and address on that box was the most satisfied I’ve ever felt. After checking my email and cadet portal to double check, the emotions really took center stage. Knowing that the plan I layed out 4 years prior was now truly coming to fruition filled me with a unique joy that I hadn’t felt before. I reflected on the sting of failing to get in the prior year. I thought of everyone that helped me get to where I was in that moment: my mentors, family members, friends, teachers, and especially the coaches of the cross country and track and feild teams. I owe it all to them for constructing me into the man I am today and the man I will become.
What is your reason for wanting to go to West Point?
I am a strong believer in making the most out of what we are given. I’ve always known that I wanted to be a soldier to help defend the people and country that gave me and my family so many opportunities and freedoms. For my advanced composition class in college I wrote my paper on the American Dream and defined it as “an ideology where every man, woman, and child has God-given rights and access to nearly endless opportunities, where, through the means of personal responsibility, initiative, and hard work, everyone can achieve successes from the personal level all the way to the international scale with each generation holding greater prosperity, security, and fulfillment than the last.” My father immigrated here from Morocco seeking this dream. My mother was the first in our family to go to college, seeking this dream. I want to go to West Point for many reasons, all of which share the core vaules found by seeking this dream.
Is there anything or anyone that has inspired you to take this path?
Norwin and West Point graduate Dr. Col. Douglas Matty helped me the most in this journey. He and his wife Deanna have been a close family friend of my mom’s since highschool. Early in high school, Col. Matty told me about West Point and the future it can provide. He helped guide me through the application process – going to the admission events with me, sending me contact information for the people I needed to meet, and motivating me throughout it all. His impact on my life can not be understated.
Going forward with your education at West Point what is one thing you are most excited about?
I am most excited about further strengthening my leadership skills. I’ve always wanted to help people, so knowing that I will get the best leadership education at West Point and then be able to apply what I am taught for the rest of my life, in any situation, is definitely something I look forward to.
