Senior Convocation: a ritual celebrated school-wide to support and recognize those students who, next year, won’t continue their education at Jesuit, but will rise to their next stage in life. It is a tradition that our school holds dearly. Those upperclassmen that we have looked up to, that have represented Jesuit for four years to the point of becoming our role models, are given about an hour to demonstrate standouts among these leaders. Awards for excellence come from all departments in our educational curriculum, and extend even to extracurricular activities like debate, service, and the arts.
In this ceremony that admittedly, once under way, can become long and drawn out, one acknowledgement stands out in particular. Mr. Garrison introduces Texas representative Pete Sessions, here to help present this special recognition in particular. The presenter called up Cory Hazelbaker, senior hockey team captain to receive a prestigious award. During convocation, Cory formally received his Congressional Nomination and Appointment to the United States Military Academy.
West Point is one of the most prestigious colleges in the nation, but not just for academics. People who go to West Point are the future leaders of our armed forces, men who stand out among the rest for the higher calling of protecting the freedom we so cherish. Obviously, appointment to such an institution isn’t taken lightly, and Cory, when asked about his thoughts while receiving the award said that “It was a truly special experience and one that I will remember forever.”
Cory’s application to West Point wasn’t your average college selection process, which already stresses out the best of us. “It is a lot different. The general application was fairly consistent with other colleges…However, occurring simultaneously to this is the Congressional Nomination applications process,” Cory said, when asked about how West Point differed from normal school applications. Acceptance into West Point requires nomination by a member of Congress or Senator. Cory says situations differ from applicant to applicant, but for him it “included a general application, resume, essay, short answer questionnaire, and a face-to-face interview with the congressperson’s autonomous selection board.” There’s a reason for all of these requirements: “Each nominating body can have, at maximum, five people at a service academy at a time, so spots are pretty limited.”
Sound daunting? It’s a lot of work for a high school senior. But Cory’s dedication knows no bounds, and this is what he has wanted for a long time, saying “I’ve always wanted to serve in the military” but embodying the profile of a Jesuit grad, Cory also says that “I wanted to pursue higher education…to do something worthwhile and meaningful to better well round myself and be in service to others after college.”
Cory’s wish to serve in the military grew to a desire to attend West Point later on, inspired by the passion with which Colonel Jack Neal, West Point Class of 1959, described the school: “The passion and pride in his eyes talking to me, it really got me hooked on West Point.”
Along with Colonel Jack Neal and his parents, Cory credits “so many people, especially within the Jesuit community,” and mentions that these people in his life “have and continue to inspire” him. Cory, a humble young man, focuses on how “grateful to everyone that has helped” him achieve his goal.
Cory’s passion for service to others, love of his country, and sheer hardworking nature have all shaped him into the role model he has become in accepting his further call to service, so congratulations Cory, and good luck in your future endeavors.
