By Matt Browning
Buhler High School senior Leah Bentley was accepted into the United States Military Academy at West Point. Bentley found out in December that she had been accepted.
“I actually first found out during my Physics class,” Bentley said. “I was completely shocked and beyond excited. I didn’t expect to find out if I had received an appointment until February or later, so to find out in December was so exciting for me.”
The admissions standards are rigorous, which mad being accepted even more gratifying for Bentley. The acceptance rate in less than ten percent and the application process can be overwhelming.
Students who are accepted receive fully funded undergraduate education, which has been compared to Ivy League schools.
“It is an amazing opportunity,” Bentley said. “With the extremely rigorous application process, I had no idea my dreams would actually come true.”
In order to be considered, applicants must interview and receive one nomination from a member of congress. She received nominations from Senator Jerry Moran, Senator Pat Roberts and Congressman Roger Marshall.
Bentley is expected to leave for basic training, which is six weeks, at the end of June, but that is flexible because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Hearing that I was accepted to West Point was by far the most exciting thing that has ever happened to me, it’s hard to even put into words how honored and grateful I am to have such an opportunity,” Bentley said. “I know it’s going to be challenging, but I thrive on that, and I truly believe it is where I belong.”
West Point focuses on identifying candidates that have excelled in both academics and athletics and Bentley certainly fulfills both categories.
She has a 4.0 grade point average, while also holding countless school records in volleyball, track and field and cross country. Bentley was all-league in all three sports.
Bentley’ track coach, William Adkins, said she is valued in everything she does in and out of Buhler High School.
“I have been coaching and teaching for more than three decades, and when you meet someone like Leah, they leave an indelible impression on you,” Adkins said. “She certainly catches a great deal of attention because she is a multiple school record holder, a highly competitive and successful student/athlete and she is a valued member of any and every team.”
Bentley plans to continue her track and cross country career at West Point. She also plans on majoring in American Politics, with hopefully pursuing a career in the Judge Advocates General Corps serving the Army as an attorney.
