Dear Parish Family,

I am writing to you about one of our parish family, Justin McLemore. Justin as we know has been accepted to attend the United States Military Academy West Point. So I wanted to share some information about this great institution with you. Justin has been accepted for the Branch of the Army. May God continue to bless us during our Lenten Journey! And let us continue to pray for Justin as he prepares for this new chapter of his life. ~~Fr. Steve

The Academy’s Four Leader Development Programs:

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: Moral-ethical development is central to the 47-month West Point experience and is explicitly mandated by the Academy’s mission statement. The emphasis on personal character is to sup-port the West Point Motto – “Duty, Honor, Country” – and the ideals of the seven Army Values: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE: West Point’s Academic Program includes an excellent, broadly structured undergraduate curriculum that balances the physical sciences and engineering with the behavioral and social sciences. The goal is for every graduate to be able to think creatively and clearly express original ideas on both technological and interpersonal issues. In addition, the Academy seeks to instill in cadets a commitment to progressive and continued education development.

MILITARY LEADERSHIP: West Point’s Military Program provides an outstanding professional foundation focused on education in the American military ethic and the Army’s core values, along with training in individu-al and small-unit leadership skills. Cadets are inspired to make a commitment to national services as an Army officer and to adopt the ideals of the seven Army Values.

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT: The Physical Program is focused upon the physically demanding requirements of an Army officer. It endeavors to develop in cadets the ability to maintain personal and unit fitness, fosters the warrior spirit, builds an appreciation for team work, and inspires the will to win. Specific program activities include physical education classes, regular fitness testing, and competitive athletics.