A Benton High School senior has received an offer of appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point.

United States Senator Claire McCaskill of Missouri and U.S. Representative for Missouri’s 6th congressional district Sam Graves approved Nick Palmer in the nomination process for West Point.

Palmer has many family members who have worked in the military, including two grandfathers who served in the Korean War.

“This is always something I have wanted to do. I felt led to West Point,” Palmer said. “When I was on campus and saw helicopters and people learning how to repel…I knew for sure I wanted to do that. My goal is to be an Infantry Officer.”

The application process for West Point is extensive. After being accepted to the Summer Leadership Program in 2014, Palmer provided information for questionnaires, an activities record, student information, essays, score evaluations, medical tests, fitness tests,
interviews with congressional staff and more. Benton administrators and staff, and even middle and former elementary teachers filled out nomination forms including Palmer’s volunteer, activity and award achievements.

“Nick is one of those amazing students. He has been a huge asset not only to Benton High School, but the city as well. This is an incredible accomplishment,” Michele Thomason,
Benton High School Assistant Principal said.

More than 19,000 applicants apply to West Point each year. Only 1200 are extended an offer of appointment. Palmer is expected to report to West Point on June 29, 2015 for seven weeks of basic training.

“There is no place else I want to be. I’m thankful for everyone who helped me get to this place,” Palmer ssaid. “Mrs. April Allen, Mr. Keith Vore (West Point liaison officer), and Mr. Joey Hendrix, among others helped me get here. It’s an exciting time.”