Ms. Kristen Horn, a 2014 graduate of Union Academy Charter School, has been working toward her dream of receiving an appointment to West Point since her freshman year of high school, taking high-level courses, playing varsity sports, and even taking a weightlifting class to better prepare for the rigorous physical training of West Point.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
UNION ACADEMY GRADUATE REFUSES TO GIVE UP, ACHIEVES WEST POINT DREAM ON SECOND TRY
CHARLOTTE – Ms. Kristen Horn, a 2014 graduate of Union Academy Charter School, has been working toward her dream of receiving an appointment to West Point since her freshman year of high school, taking high-level courses, playing varsity sports, and even taking a weightlifting class to better prepare for the rigorous physical training of West Point.
After participating in Congressman Pittenger’s rigorous selection process in 2013, Ms. Horn was nominated for West Point, but did not ultimately receive an appointment. Undaunted, Ms. Horn turned down a prestigious opportunity to attend the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and instead spent the past year preparing to try again.
Late last week, Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) had the honor of calling Ms. Horn to announce her official appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point.
“When life doesn’t go as planned, you can either give up or keep fighting,” commented Congressman Pittenger. “We’re proud to see that Ms. Horn kept fighting for her dream and for the honor of serving her country, and we look forward to seeing where that tenacity and commitment will take her during her military career.”
Ms. Horn first became interested in military service while volunteering to send monthly care packages to a platoon deployed in Iraq, which included sending 60 pounds of cookies and fudge one Christmas. She told Congressman Pittenger that “the dedication to service, leadership, and moral integrity of the cadets and officers (at West Point) embody the standards I strive to live by and desire to instill in others. They mold young people like me into better leaders for the military and I want to answer that call.”
Ms. Horn is the daughter of Michelle Horn and makes her home in Stallings.
A total of ten local students have already received U.S. Service Academy appointments for the 2015-2016 school year, with additional appointments expected this spring.
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