Aryn Simmons set goals early in his life. He’s wanted to be a police officer since he was a little kid. In sixth grade, the dream of being an officer changed to FBI. In his freshman year of high school, his mom, Alicia McDonald, mentioned West Point Military Academy to him as a possible option for college. Attending West Point has been his dream ever since.
In February, Aryn received his appointment to the United States Military Academy.
“On behalf of the President and the Secretary of the Army, I send you congratulations on your appointment to the United States Military Academy,” said the letter addressed to Aryn Chavin Simmons, which he received in February from Lieutenant General Darryl A. Williams.
He was ecstatic. And relieved.
“It was a long process,” Aryn said. “I’ve been so focused on this for so long.”
After his mom suggested he look into West Point back in freshman year, Aryn dove into it. He learned everything there is to know about the academy. He knew he would need stellar grades, show leadership and good character. He worked hard – “I was just focused. I was always on the high honor roll. That comes from my family – academics are always first.” He discovered the other military academies, researched them, but he kept coming back to West Point. He just knew.
“I want this. I see myself there,” he said. “And my mom is my number one supporter.”
His mom had considered attending West Point when she was in high school. Aryn’s parents, including dad Chavin McDonald, and two younger sisters, are very supportive.
The application process began in his junior year, when Aryn went on the West Point website to get the process going with numerous questions to make sure he qualified. In the summer between junior and senior year, he emailed Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney’s office to start the nomination process. Applicants must receive a nomination to attend West Point – either from a United States senator, Congressional representative or the president or vice president, or with a service-connected nomination. In senior year, he subsequently submitted a transcript, resume, four letters of recommendation from English, math, science and physical education teachers, and had to pass a fitness test and a medical exam.
“Aryn Simmons exemplifies the character, morals and fortitude of a West Point cadet,” said Melissa Kaloz, his guidance counselor at PBHS, in her letter of recommendation. “He is an individual of the highest standards and ethics and will proudly serve his country as a person of distinction in the role before him.”
She added, “He is just an outstanding young man!”
English teacher Christopher Passudetti also sent a letter of recommendation for Aryn. Referring to his junior year, he wrote, “In a year where students could have easily hidden and not fully engaged themselves in their studies, Aryn went in the opposite direction, looking for every opportunity to challenge himself beyond what was expected of him.”
In his recommendation, Mr. Passudetti told of Aryn choosing to read a very difficult, complex text when he could have chosen something much easier to read and do a paper on. “He’s in it for the challenge and improving himself, not simply chasing a grade,” said Mr. Passudetti. “I anticipate that his professors will see a similar eagerness to learn from him in years to come.”
Aryn also submitted the application he received from Rep. Maloney’s office for his nomination. He said it was similar to a full college application. In November, he went to the congressman’s office for an in-person interview where he met with two West Point graduates, an Annapolis graduate and a member of the special forces .
“It was intimidating,” Aryn said. “I was in front of the real deal.”
He aced it and received his nomination from the congressman late in December, the final piece of his academy application.
His appointment letter came in February; the deadline to accept the appointment was May 1. He signed and returned it on Feb. 20.
Aryn plans to major in psychology at the academy, something he anticipates will serve him well when he becomes an FBI agent in Quantico, Virginia – still one of his life’s goals. “Maybe I’ll go into logistics, intelligence, drones.” He has time to figure that out.
After graduating PBHS on June 24, Aryn will have a weekend to bask in his accomplishments. Reception Day – or R Day – at West Point is Monday, June 27. He will report for basic training, which runs through the end of August. Then, his classes begin.
“It’s a big commitment, I know,” he said. “Four years of college and five years of active duty. I’m ready for this.”