In The News
LAREDO MORNING TIMES: Accepted to West PointAlaniz Jr. in top 10 percent
Laredo,
April 25, 2015
Tags:
Education
Flanked by his parents, a senior at United High School accepted Friday his appointment to attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Isidro Alaniz Jr., a nominee of U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, is in the United High School Engineering Magnet Program. He will graduate in the top 10 percent of his class this spring. Alaniz, son of the Webb County district attorney, also plays for the United Longhorn Football Team. United Independent School District said that “although he received admission into various state universities, Isidro’s desire is to serve his country by attending the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.” The acceptance rate at West Point is less than 9 percent. “I consider it a great honor to have the opportunity and privilege to serve and protect my country by attending this prestigious institution,” Alaniz said. He will begin attending West Point on June 29. Every year, Cuellar nominates students to attend the military academy. This was the first time one was accepted. “His test scores and his application made him an ideal candidate,” Cuellar said. “I’m very proud of him.” According to Cuellar, out of the 15,000 applications received to attend the academy received, only 1,200 are accepted. The academy’s website states being accepted to West Point is an exceptional honor reserved for the nation’s most promising students. “It is a very prestigious academy,” Cuellar said. Founded in 1802 by U.S. President Thomas Jefferson, the academy is the first American College of Engineering. It is located 50 miles north of New York. Its mission is to educate, train and inspire cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character, committed to the values of duty, honor and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service Alaniz was accepted to two service academies, West Point and the U.S. Naval Academy. “It is a tough decision but at the same time, I knew either one was the right choice,” he said. Alaniz is a member of the National Honor Society, the Future Farmers of America and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Confirmation Ministry. He is also active in various community-based programs that help raise funds for nonprofit organizations that serve children and the less fortunate. Awards he has received as a member of the 2014-2015 United Longhorn Football Team include All-City First Team Running Back, All-District First Team Running Back, All-District Academic Honors and All-State Academic First Team Running Back. “The entire Alaniz family is very proud of Isidro’s appointment,” said Alaniz’s father, Isidro Alaniz. “I’m proud that he has been given this opportunity.” |
