Weisenburger appointed to prestigious West Point

SEELEY LAKE - Though his plans for the future were not set in stone, Sam Weisenburger knew he would go into service leadership. Now with high school wrapping up, he decided to become an Army officer.

"I learned that you can always have a plan but make sure you are flexible to change," said Weisenburger. "There's a certain point when you realize it's about taking it in and understanding that you'll do better."

The Seeley-Swan High School senior was appointed to go to school as a cadet at West Point, an honor bestowed to just about 1,200 students a year, according to West Point's website. 

At military service schools, students go to college tuition-free. In return, graduates are required to serve at least five years as an active-duty officer.

Weisenburger took interest in West Point along with the Air Force and Naval academies. His father Trace Weisenburger is an alumnus of the Air Force and taught his son how to fly at just 17 years of age.

Weisenburger first wanted to be in the Air Force academy. However, he later decided to accept an offer to study at West Point. 

"As much as I want to be an expert in my own field, I feel like I have something more to give to my country than just flying an airplane," said Weisenburger. "I want to help people in the army."

Though there are still a lot of unknowns for him, Weisenburger said his core goal is to be a good leader to others.

"In the army it is more about leading people," Weisenburger said. "When [I] finish with West Point, [I] would be a platoon commander of 40 to 50 people right out of the gate."

Weisenburger first visited West Point in June after his junior year of high school. He was one step closer to becoming a cadet. He slept in a bunkhouse with other prospective students, did chores and learned more about what the prestigious army academy had to offer. 

To get appointed to the service leadership colleges like West Point or the Air Force Academy, a student has to get nominated by a member of Congress, pass a physical aptitude test and excel academically. Not only did Weisenburger pass all three requirements but he was also recruited to join the West Point Rifle Team.

"This is an opportunity that I would never have if it wasn't for West Point," said Weisenburger adding that had he attended another military academy, he would not have had the option to shoot. "It's about being a part of a team and trying the best you can to represent the Army." 

Before he leaves, however, Weisenburger is focused on enjoying his time in Seeley. He departs for New York in July, though the date is not set in stone.