East County Student Heads to Westpoint Military Academy

Tyler Peterson, a graduating senior at Moorpark High School, comes from a military family. His grandfather attended the Naval Academy. His dad was in the Air Force. So it was no surprise that Tyler chose to follow his family tradition.

What’s unique about his choice is that he has been accepted to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Nearly 200 years old, West Point is one of the most prestigious schools in the country. A small school with approximately 4,400 cadets, one of its favorite expressions is that "much of the history we teach was made by people we taught." Its graduates include Robert E. Lee, Douglas MacArthur, and Dwight Eisenhower.

Peterson explained that his inspiration for applying to the Academy came last spring when he received the West Point Leadership Award.

“It opened my eyes up and made me think about it,” he said.

He began the long review process in 2010 by applying to West Point online. His official recommendation came from Congressman Elton Gallegly and his appointment certificate for West Point came in January. An official announcement was made at Senior Awards Night on May 19 at Moorpark High School.

Peterson has visited the campus three times and hopes to be a walk-on this fall for the Army football team. His eyes lit up when he talked about what the Army had to offer in terms of football facilities.

“When I went to the West Point-Hawaii football game, we checked out the football equipment. They have a full-fledged indoor football field and all this high tech equipment.”

He was also impressed by the size of the campus.

“For a 4,000 student campus, it’s bigger than you expect,” he said, “partly because it’s an active military base.”

Tyler’s academic and athletic credentials are impressive: a 3.7 GPA, varsity football,student body president, senior class president, school newspaper editor-in-chief. He also received a scholarship at Senior Awards Night for MHS Most Inspirational Athlete.

All of which, according to his mentor, Congressman Gallegly, bodes well for his success at West Point.

Gallegly called Petersen “challenged and tested” by his high school experiences and leadership roles.

“He has a well-earned reputation for honesty, integrity and self-motivation, which are critical attributes for a military officer charged with defending America and the ideals we cherish,” Gallegly said. “I am sure he will succeed at the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, and represent our community well as a U.S. Army officer.”

Peterson credits his family, including parents Derek and Patricia Peterson, for being supportive. He is also grateful for the assistance he’s received from Gallegly.

“He took the time to help me out after he gave me my appointment,” he said.

Peterson will leave for Cadet Basic Training on June 26. Upon graduation he will be appointed a Second Lieutenant. His commitment is for five years in active duty and two years in the reserves. While there, he would like to study electrical engineering and biotechnology.

Asked about a long term future, Peterson is unclear if he wants to make the military his career choice.

“I don’t know,” he said. “We’ll see. Once I get in, that may change.”

It may, but the next nine years seem set, and for now, Peteron is content to let the rest take care of itself. With the high level of academic training he will receive, whatever career choice he makes will certainly offer great opportunity.

“The military has every job there is in civilian life,” he said.

With this notable exception: Very few careers involve the training, prestige, and opportunity provided by West Point.