Three Tyler Seniors Heading to Military Academies

TYLER — Three seniors from Robert E. Lee High School have been invited to attend two of the nation’s military service academies this fall. Jack Oliver, 17, will attend the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis and Abby Halbrook, 18, and Philip White, 18, will attend the United States Military Academy at West Point.

“I think the three of us receiving these appointments is a true testament to what this community can do,” said White, who is on the right in the photo. “People here really promote growth and it shows how strong the community backing is for the schools.”

“In my 12 years as a high school administrator I have had two appointees from the same graduating class, but never three,” Gary Brown, principal at Lee, said.

To receive a prestigious military service appointment, candidates must first receive a congressional nomination from their U.S. Senator or U.S. Representative. Candidates are typically evaluated on the qualifications of moral character, strong academic record, demonstrated leadership potential, physical and medical fitness, and commitment to serve a five-year military term in the United States Armed Forces. After evaluating of all the congressional nominations, appointments are given directly by the academies. Not all nominations receive academy appointments.