Caldwell Teen Headed To West Point, Earns Prestigious Scout Award

CALDWELLS, NJ — Essex County has gained another connection to one of the most iconic military institutions in the nation: West Point.

Recently, James Caldwell High School senior Mackenzie Courtright accepted her appointment into the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Courtright, 18, was nominated by Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey.

According to her proud parents, Gregory and Jeanne, Mackenzie is the first in her family to attend the prestigious academy, although they have grandparents and uncles who have served in various branches of the armed forces.

In addition to the West Point acceptance, Courtright recently earned the Summit Award, the highest recognition for youth in the Scouts BSA’s Venturing program.

“We are both so very proud of her,” the Mackenzies told Patch. “These last few months were a whirlwind, as we watched her go from looking at traditional engineering colleges such as Purdue, to becoming interested and applying to West Point. We’re excited to see where this journey will take her.”

The Caldwell resident recalled that she got “very excited” when Sen. Booker’s office called to let her know she was accepted.

“After all the time and effort I had put into the application, it felt great to know that I had made it and that everything I had done had paid off,” Courtright said. “I’m very excited for the opportunity and I’m looking forward to seeing where this path leads.”

One of the challenges she expects to face is the food, Courtright joked.

“I’m a notoriously picky eater,” she admitted.

“On a more serious note, I think I’m most worried about being able to keep up physically, since at the two CFAs I took I was nowhere close to the highest performing cadet candidate there,” the JCHS senior continued.

“I plan on dealing with this by making sure I’m as fit as possible before West Point so I have less ground to make up while I’m there,” Courtright said.

The JCHS student’s achievement is already bringing smiles to her alma mater.

“James Caldwell High School is so proud of her,” district administrators wrote. “Congratulations to Mackenzie and the Courtright family.”

• See related article: 1st Female West Orange High School Student Accepted To West Point
• See related article: Essex County Teen Follows Brother's Footsteps To West Point
• See related article: Bloomfield High School Student Headed To West Point

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