Barnegat Student Accepted Into 3 Military Academies

BARNEGAT, NJ — Peter Toth would've attended any military academy that accepted him. But the Barnegat High School senior faced an amazing predicament after making it into the United States Air Force Academy, Naval Academy and West Point.

“I honestly couldn’t believe it,” Toth said. “I was just hoping to get into one. I was shocked to hear back from them all.”

It wasn't easy to pick one, but Toth ultimately chose West Point. Toth's grandfathers both served in the Army. But his decision to join the armed forces stemmed from an air show he attended in middle school.

Then Toth joined the Civil Air Patrol and later the Navy National Defense Cadet Corps at Barnegat High School. Toth and his father were also instrumental in bringing in Cyber Point — a national cyber education program created by the Air Force Association to inspire kids toward careers in cybersecurity or other STEM fields critical to the armed forces.

"One is a huge accomplishment,” Peter’s parents, Peter and Kathleen, said in a joint statement. “While we are thrilled for him, we can’t say we were totally surprised because of Peter’s commitment from a young age."

Toth will report June 29 to basic training before turning his attention to cybersecurity.

"Peter is an exceptional young man,” said Principal Stephen Nichol. “We always say that Barnegat is a family and he is a shining example of what it means to be a part of that. Peter is always there for a fellow family member and wants to see everyone succeed.”

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