Isaac Bond was an academic and football standout at Horizon Christian Academy, graduating in the class of 2021. Recently, he graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in the class of 2025 and was commissioned as Second Lieutenant (2LT) on May 24. His next steps include reporting to Fort Huachuca, Arizona, in July to begin his training in the Military Intelligence Basic Officer Leadership Course. Once he graduates in November, he will report to Fort Riley, Kansas.
Isaac began his interest in attending the Military Academy during his freshman year at HCA. Through conversations with Lisa Stiles, HCA’s Academic Dean at the time, and Lieutenant Colonel Ali Palmer, an HCA parent and West Point alumnus, he found the support he needed to accomplish his goal of attending West Point. “LTC Ali Palmer aided my decision in applying to and attending West Point. All the teachers and faculty were incredibly supportive and allowed me to develop myself and reach necessary accomplishments to be able to apply and attend. HCA prepared me for the rigorous academic process of USMA, especially through the AP and dual enrollment classes offered.”
Attending a Service Academy is not exactly like other college experiences, and 2LT Bond found that to be both challenging and rewarding. “USMA is not a college or university, it is an academy. That sets it apart in that your ‘college’ life is not solely academics, but also physical fitness, military training and development, and more. I would summarize the most valuable parts of being a cadet as camaraderie, leadership development, and personal growth. It is a team effort, ‘collaborate to graduate’ is a favorite term amongst cadets. Furthermore, the biggest challenge is being able to be independent while also being part of the team. The military is not a group of independent individuals, but a collective.”
HCA students can choose many paths for their future, including the Service Academies. Isaac’s advice for students who might be interested in attending an Academy is straight forward. “To anyone interested, definitely do your research. The incredible thing about Academies is that you can stay for the first two years, and then decide it isn’t the right fit for you and leave to go to another school. However, after two years, you swear the oath and lock yourself in for the remainder of the time, as well as five years of active duty service. Talk to anyone you know who has been (myself included) and determine whether you want to devote nine years to the military. I would highly recommend you watch some videos!”
Once he completes his eight years of active service in the military, Isaac will decide if he wants to continue his military career, or move into the private sector. He is confident that he wants to use his training and skills to help others in foreign countries, perhaps even through mission work.
“HCA Family – thank you so much for all of your support, dedication, and care for myself and my classmates. I felt truly supported through my four years of high school, and I believe that each of you had a part in helping me reach my goal of attending West Point. I am extremely appreciative of HCA and all that it provided me.”