Family, friends, classmates and teachers were elated at the news that St. Edward’s School senior Benjamin Evans has been accepted into the United States Military Academy at West Point.
The 18-year-old Evans was checking his email at 3:30 in the morning when he learned his years of focused scholastic work and community volunteerism had been rewarded with a spot as a West Point cadet.
“It’s truly an honor to represent Vero Beach,” said Evans, “and I will do everything in my power to represent it well.”
Homeschooled by his mother through eighth grade, Evans has been preparing for his future during the four years he has attended Saint Edward’s.
“In my 40 years of teaching, Ben Evans is one of the most disciplined, committed students I’ve met,” said Terrance Mitchell, a St. Ed’s advanced placement teacher and advisor to Evans.
Under Evans’ leadership as the Secretary General in the Model United Nations program at St. Ed’s, membership increased to 40, making it one of the largest groups on campus.
His independent study project last summer involved vulnerability issues in a modern military which relies on GPS and satellites.
“It is an honor to know him,” Mitchell said. “I told him that our nation has selected him. He will serve the nation and make our community proud.”
Evans’ community service includes participation in United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps, which meets at the Fort Pierce Coast Guard Auxiliary. Evans holds the highest rank in the program as Chief Petty Officer.
The application process to West Point is a stringent one, but the college education Evans will now receive is top notch, and free.
“The United States Military Academy at West Point offers you a fully funded, prestigious four-year academic, physical, and mental education that develops personal character, leads to a Bachelor of Science, guarantees employability as a trusted leader, and employs you in a respected and rewarding profession as an officer in the U.S. Army,” the academy’s website states.
