Fil-Am student accepts appointment to West Point

A Filipino-American student has accepted an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Lance Jacob Paglinawan, 17, of Portland, Oregon, formalized his acceptance in April to “the preeminent leader development institution” that trains commissioned officers for the US Armed Forces. 

“Your appointment to the Class of 2024 is an outstanding achievement. In gaining admission, you have demonstrated exceptional potential for future service to the US Army and the nation,” read his admission letter.

A new graduate of Jesuit High School Portland, Lance competed all four years on the school’s track team, where he was senior captain of the hurdle team. He also played basketball and ran cross country.

As a student, Lance achieved an above-4.0 weighted GPA while participating at Jesuit’s chapter of the National Honor Society and serving as president of the school’s National Chinese Honor Society.

Outside of school, he served as a student ambassador at Blanchet House of Hospitality, a charity organization in downtown Portland.

Lance said he initially did not consider the idea of attending a service academy until he received an invitation to apply.

“I received an invite to apply and the idea came to mind gradually as I began to see how the values and the environment instilled at West Point seemed to fit what I had developed at Jesuit,” Lance shared with GMA News Online.

Work ethic, discipline

He believes it was his work ethic and discipline that made West Point offer a slot to him.

“I think my discipline and my dedication to getting the job done has served me well and has placed me in the eyes of the West Point admissions team as a strong candidate to receive an appointment,” he added. 

Even if he received an invitation to apply, the road to West Point was not an easy one.

“Receiving an appointment to West Point was an extremely competitive process. The biggest challenge I faced was standing out amidst the wide pool of competing candidates for admission. I had to try to make sure my fitness scores were competitive against other candidates and that I showed I was capable of attending West Point through my performance in the classroom, extracurriculars, and interviews,” Lance shared.

He also had to apply for and receive a congressional nomination in order to attend West Point—if he didn’t have one, he might not be able to secure an appointment, even if he was qualified in all other respects.

Lance was also nominated for admission to the prestigious military academy by US Sen. Jeffrey A. Merkley.

“I am honored and pleased to nominate you as a candidate for enrollment at the United States Military Academy at West Point. I commend you on seeking to advance your education and serving our country as a military officer,” said the senator on his nomination for Lance.

Filipino heritage

Lance recognized the role his Filipino heritage played in his admission.

“I don’t think that my background as a Filipino created any significant challenge for me during the application process. I think my background in fact helped me—the school I came from and my heritage—because West Point prides itself on its diverse student body and is able to see the community I come from in line with their own values,” he pointed out.

While his mom was initially uncertain on the idea of Lance joining the military, she soon began to support his appointment to West Point.

“My parents were ecstatic and extremely proud. They have and still fully support me on this journey,” said Lance.

For Lorelie Payawal-Paglinawan, her son getting accepted into West Point was the “best news we have had in a while.”

“Finally, something positive during this time of panic, fear, and uncertainty. It is a testament that there are far better things ahead of us,” she said.

During his four year stay in the academy, Lance hopes to “mold my character into one of discipline and honor. I hope to serve my country humbly and graciously.”

After graduation, he aims to explore fields in medicine or engineering while specializing within specific branches of the United States Army.

“Furthermore, I would like to raise a family and travel around the world whether during or after active duty service,” he added. – GMA News