EDUCATION ACROSS OUR GREAT STATEHUMAN INTEREST STORIES

ASH SENIOR ACCEPTED TO WEST POINT

Brought To You By Rapides Parish School Board; Written by Mary Helen Downey

Alexandria Senior High student, Matthew Crenshaw, has officially been accepted to West Point. He will join other cadets this July in New York to begin his journey in the military.

“When I visited the campus during my junior year, I came to realize that the students there were connected on a deeper level: they were committed to serving their country,” Matthew says.

West Point graduates earn Bachelor of Science degrees and are commissioned as second lieutenants in the United States Army, according to the school’s website. Matthew plans to study kinesiology, but plans to join the infantry upon graduation.

“I’m interested in the tank division right now. That may change as I learn more,” Matthew says.

The journey to his acceptance started in May 2024, when he completed the initial application.

That was followed by: teacher recommendation letters, a physical fitness test, a rigorous medical test, and a nomination letter from U.S. State Representative Julia Letlow.

He participated in five interviews and answered questions from former and current members of the military. Additionally, he wrote several essays and worked to increase his ACT composite score to a 32.

“Aside from all of the hard work, I’m most excited about being a part of something with such history and pride. I want to be a part of something bigger than myself,” Matthew says.

He will attend a six-week Basic Training, simply referred to as “The Beast” by older cadets, in July 2025.

As part of a traditional college curriculum, cadets also take mandatory military strategy classes and must be involved in a club sport. He will also attend training during the summer with only a three-week break from West Point.

“The same pride that Matthew feels for his country and his community aligns with what we seek to instill in our students at ASH. We teach them that making contributions and leading in their communities can make a great impact,” Principal Jody Goodman says.

According to the U.S. News & World Report, only 14% of applicants are accepted into a cohort each year.

This accomplishment is one marked by dedication, commitment, and tenacity.

“What has driven me throughout this process is striving to be as good as I can be and ultimately serving my country,” Matthew says.

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