General Eisenhower in the Shadow of Jefferson Library
WHO ARE WE?
Our Club is made up of parents, grandparents, and family members of incoming and current cadets at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Some of us are USMA graduates ourselves and others have sons and daughters now currently serving in the US Armed Forces. Regardless of prior experience, with the military or not, we are all committed to supporting the men and women who lead our soldiers in defense of our country.
We encourage families to join the Club and partner with us in supporting one another throughout our West Point experience and beyond. In general, Parent Clubs and the West Point Association of Graduates have the common purpose of furthering public understanding and support of the Military Academy. They do this by enabling parents and other friends of West Point to gather together in support of the Academy's aims, ideals, standards, and achievements.
President – Live & Jeff Kotkin (2024) Vice President – Shamira Bartley (2025) Treasurer – Amy Contogonas (2024) Recording Secretary - Ryan McDermott (2025) Corresponding Secretary - Mindy Hooper (2025) Media Director - Ben Everidge (2023)
Class Representatives Firstie Class of 2023 - Nan Everidge Cow Class of 2024 - Jeff Kotkin Yearling Class of 2025 - Shamira Bartley Plebe Class of 2026 - Jennifer Lehman
50 Year Affiliates For the Firstie Class of 2023 - Norman J. White (USMA Class of 1973) For the Cow Class of 2024 - Gary Coleman (USMA Class of 1974) For the Yearling Class of 2025 - Mike Ulekowski (USMA Class of 1975) For the Plebe Class of 2026 - David Melcher (USMA Class of 1976)
West Point Society Liaison - Frank Albritton
What it Takes to Become a Cadet
The road to being appointed to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point is arduous but highly rewarding, to say the least.
West Point Cadets come from the top of their high school classes. They typically have highly competitive grade point averages, have been captains of their varsity sports team or teams, scored high on their SAT and ACT tests, were members of the Honor Society, student government participants, and performed countless hours for service clubs and projects both in and outside their schools.
Their application packages are extensive, requiring significant documentation as well as letters of evaluation from those who know them best.
To compete for a coveted spot at the Academy, they have also undergone extensive medical testing and qualification, a rigorous candidate physical fitness assessment, intensive interviews with West Point admissions officials, and have secured a congressional or other high level nomination just to be considered for admission. All of that before these candidates arrive at West Point on Reception Day, which we lovingly refer to as "R-Day" where our children are transformed in a single day to being Army soldiers training to be elite officers.
Every class of cadets since 1835 has chosen a uniquely designed crest to represent what it stands for at West Point. Our current classes have designed and chosen their crests. The class of 2025 will soon join the crested ranks as well.
The West Point Parents Club of Central Florida serves a wide-ranging area that includes the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th congressional districts. Members of Congress from these districts interview and then nominate those candidates they endorse for appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
Students interested in securing a congressional nomination to West Point should contact the appropriate congressperson from their district for more information.
