Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) is honored to announce that Cullen McGahan, a 2015 graduate of Davidson Day School, has received a prestigious appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEVER GIVE UP . . . DAVIDSON DAY GRADUATE RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS WEST POINT APPOINTMENT ON 2ND TRY
Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) is honored to announce that Cullen McGahan, a 2015 graduate of Davidson Day School, has received a prestigious appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Mr. McGahan received his first nomination from Congressman Pittenger in 2014 and was judged by the U.S. Military Academy as “fully qualified,” but ultimately did not receive an appointment. Undeterred in his quest to serve as an Army officer, Mr. McGahan entered Rhodes College on an academic merit scholarship, received a 3-year advance designee ROTC scholarship, and joined the Rhodes varsity football team.
“However, I never stopped thinking of earning an appointment to West Point,” Mr. McGahan told Congressman Pittenger. “I wanted to prove that I am serious, mature, committed, worth the investment, and willing to do what it takes to gain the honor. I want badly to be a part of the U.S. Military Academy because it will pull my greatest self out from deep inside. I am fully willing to forego my dreams of continuing to play college football altogether in order to fulfill my desire to attend this great institution.
Mr. McGahan re-applied and received his second nomination from Congressman Pittenger in fall 2015. Last week, Congressman Pittenger had the privilege of calling Mr. McGahan to announce his appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
“We give up too easily,” commented Congressman Pittenger. “Cullen McGahan is a great example of what it takes to truly succeed. His tenacious effort to have the privilege of defending America’s freedom is commendable.”
Mr. McGahan is the son of Thomas and Tammy McGahan and lives in Davidson. He is the eighth student from the Ninth Congressional District to receive a prestigious U.S. Service Academy appointment for the 2015-2016 academic year. Additional appointments are expected this spring.
Local students interested in attending a U.S. Service Academy should contact Congressman Pittenger’s Charlotte office at 704-362-1060 to learn about the rigorous nomination process.
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