Clayton Lewis has achieved his goal of being appointed to the United States Military Academy at West Point, receiving nominations from Congressman Brett Guthrie as well as Senators Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul.
Lewis, a 19-year-old senior at Owensboro Catholic High School, said he’s known since his freshman year that he wanted to serve in the Army and that West Point would be the “perfect path” to becoming the best he could be.
“To be appointed to the academy means everything to me,” Lewis said. “It’s something I’ve been working towards for four years. It’s a big relief now knowing that I’m in. There were times I didn’t think I was going to work out, especially in the summer when I lost my best friend Logan Davis. After a few weeks and a few sleepless nights I figured out how to turn the pain of missing Logan into motivation to keep working. I know the academy will be difficult, but I feel like Logan will be there with me.”
The application process for West Point is different from a typical college. Applicants must qualify physically, medically, and academically — in addition to applying to the congressman and senators for a nomination for the academy. Without a nomination, applicants cannot receive an appointment to the academy.
Lewis said he was blessed to receive a nomination from Guthrie, Paul, and McConnell.
While at West Point, Lewis hopes to excel and be near the top of his class so he can control his future.
“As a senior at the academy, you get to choose where you will be stationed by order of class rank in a draft style,” he said. “So my goal at the academy will be to rank in the upper part of my class so that I will be able to choose where I want to be stationed. Another goal will be to grow as a person and become a well-rounded man.”
Lewis said the best part about being able to attend West Point is the doors that it will open for his future.
“After West Point I will be required to serve five years of active duty in the United States Army,” he said. “At the end of that I will be able to choose between staying in the service and doing it as a career, or transition into civilian life.’
Lewis is the son of Kim and Carl Lewis. His siblings are Claire, Christopher, and Carson Lewis.
