Senator Hamilton Congratulates Constituent on U.S. Military Academy Acceptance

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senator Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, congratulated Stigler High School graduate Brant Bishop on his acceptance to the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Gaining admission to a service academy is a monumental achievement in itself. Each year, around 12,000 young Americans apply for admission to West Point, and around 1600 are accepted.  The admission process is one of the most stringent in the nation.  West Point is looking for the “whole person,” meaning that the ideal applicant has demonstrated excellence in academics and athletics and has demonstrated clearly outstanding leadership potential.   

Hamilton said these cadets know that they are embarking on an austere life of academic and military rigor.  Unlike a traditional college, cadets at West Point are highly regulated, with mandatory wake-up and lights-out, mandatory meal times, restricted departures from campus, and very limited summer vacations. In short, it’s a four-year grind.

The old tradition of “look to your left, look to your right – at least one of you three will not make it to graduation,” is not an exaggeration. Of the roughly 1500 new cadets that start each year, less than 1000 will graduate.     

“Brant is an outstanding, well-rounded young man who is exactly the caliber of individual we need in our Army. Whether it be his volunteer efforts, schooling, physical training, job, or church missions, he puts his all into everything he does, and I am confident he will continue to do so throughout his service to our nation. Brant’s commitment to excellence in every aspect of his life is a testament to his character and to the impact he will undoubtedly have in the Army. Our community is incredibly proud of him, and I wish him nothing but success, growth, and fulfillment as he begins this honorable journey in service to our country.”

Sen. Warren Hamilton is a 1993 USMA West Point graduate.

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For more information, contact:
Sen. Warren Hamilton at 405-521-5604, or email Warren.Hamilton@oksenate.gov.