Garrettsville – “From an early age, we joked he’ll end up in the military because of how his mind works,” Mantua resident Jason Wysong noted. “We didn’t realize that would actually come to fruition,” his wife Carolyn added. They shared that that their son, Nolan, began considering attending a military service academy in eighth grade, and eventually selected West Point as the key to his aspirations during sophomore year. He cited numerous family outdoor adventures on family road trips to state and national parks as a big influence in selecting the Army and West Point Academy.
Located on the Hudson River 50 miles north of New York City, West Point is the oldest military installation in the United States. Founded in 1802, prestigious West Point graduates include Civil War generals Grant, Lee, Sherman, and Jackson as well as President Eisenhower, and noteworthy Generals MacArthur and Patton.
Nolan learned through research that it’s really difficult to get in — West Point accepts only 1,200 applicants each year. “We didn’t want to discourage him, but we were cautious.” Carolyn added, “We told him we’d do whatever we can to help.” Jason noted, “People don’t understand the work that goes into being selected. I didn’t understand it, “ he noted. Carolyn agreed, adding, “He did 95% himself. 5% was our portion, which involved helping him meet local senators and congress people in order to solicit letters of recommendation, one of the requirements for admission.”
Carolyn admitted, “We were in kind of uncharted waters,” she added. Jason’s Grandfather and Great Uncles served in WWII, and other family members have served in the military.” Jason agreed, “It feels like half the kids have ties to West Point and a family tradition of military service; we don’t have that. Maybe he’s starting a new family tradition,” He proudly added.
Attending a service academy isn’t something you can just decide to do during your junior year, like selecting a college. There are things you had to have been doing all along,” Jason explained. Many of the skills and activities they think helped Nolan’s application stand out included training in martial arts and earning his black belt at a young age as well as long-time service at the Akron Food Bank. In high school, he earned the Eagle Scout designation, and was accepted to the Buckeye Boys State leadership program, as well.
During the spring of his junior year, Nolan began the process to garner a congressional nomination, noting the process was “like a college application in itself, including essays, information and applications. It was sent to three local members of congress. Then Nolan filled out a Pre-questionnaire for the Academy, similar to a typical college application. The Wysongs were pleased to receive a letter of assurance last September, which they understood to mean, “Basically, if all falls in line, you’re in.”
They noted that acceptance is contingent upon passing a thorough medical exam, vision test, and physical fitness competency. “There were still a lot of hoops left,” Carolyn noted. She noted that seemingly minor things could derail the process, noting that the medical approval was held up awaiting clarification on an injury from 12 years prior.
“The excitement came in stages as the boxes were checked off.” Jason noted that they were “cautiously optimistic throughout, waiting for the other shoe to drop.” Carolyn noted, “We were concerned that a sports injury might mess up his opportunity, noting that a female cadet broke her finger playing lacrosse, and even though she was accepted, might not be able to attend this year.
The entire family breathed a sigh of relief when Nolan was officially accepted this spring. Out of 500 applicants from Northeast Ohio, 13 received offers, and 11 choose to attend West Point. Nationwide, out of 12,000 applications, only 1,200 are admitted (10% acceptance rate). Bailey Adams, a young woman from Newton Falls, will be joining the 2021 cadet class as well.
“It’s a mixed bag of emotions,” Jason explained. “We’re super proud of this accomplishment,” he noted. “But knowing he could be put in harm’s way is hard.” Carolyn agreed. They noted that it’s unusual for candidates to come from small, rural, public schools, since many cadets come from a handful of the country’s military prep schools. “It’s a big deal for the local community, since it doesn’t happen often.” Carolyn and Jason credit the opportunities that James A. Garfield High School has afforded their son, and friends he’s made there. They marveled, “From letters of support from teachers and coaches, support from guidance counselors, as well as support from friends and teammates — the community has been great!”
Carolyn added, “I didn’t realize that as a student, he’s officially in the Army. She commented, “It’s a bit of a shock — he’s got his own insurance, his own pension plan… and he’s gone…officially an adult. It’s going to be tough, she continued, “not just being able to get in the car and go see him or have him come home for a visit.” The Wysong family dropped Nolan off last weekend, beginning their son’s eight-year commitment with the U.S. Army. If all proceeds as planned, Nolan intends to make his career in the Army.
He’s thrilled to be attending West Point, where every service academy graduate who earns a four-year degree is ranked as an officer. Courses of study include leadership tactics as well as 35 additional majors including computer science, civil engineering, and foreign languages. Nolan noted that his position will be determined by his academic performance and the Army’s need at the time of his graduation. As his mom, Carolyn admitted her hope that he’d find a career behind a desk. “He wants to be on the front line,” she shared. “It’s terrifying, but we’re so proud of him.” Jason agreed, “We’re going down a path that’s new for us. But how can we be any prouder?”
Nolan noted that while he’s received lots of recognition for his chosen path, he noted that several fellow graduates should be recognized for their desire to serve, as well. “Jacob and Michael Baczkowski, who plan to enlist in the Army and Navy, are just as outstanding candidates as I am,” he noted.
Although he was accepted to West Point’s summer leadership program last year, and scheduled to attend a weekend program that fall, both programs were cancelled due to Covid-19. The Wysong family took one last road trip together, transporting their son to West Point for the first time last weekend. And with his family behind him, he stepped onto West Point’s historic campus, ready to serve. “It was our last chance to torture him as a family, after years of family road trips,” Jason joked.
