Glacier High School senior Wyatt Jensen is set to attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point after graduating this spring, a feat celebrated last week with a visit from U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke.  

Jensen’s father, Wylie, served in the U.S. Army for over 30 years in the Green Berets. It was an influence that Jensen had growing up, one that he looked up to. 

Jensen specifically remembers opening the mail with his parents in the third grade when he saw an academy brochure. He was in awe, and immediately knew he wanted to go there one day.  

“I told myself that is where I wanted to go to school,” Jensen said in the lobby of Glacier High School on March 13. “Everything I’ve done [at Glacier] was to cultivate that.” 

Zinke, in his familiar cowboy hat, shook Jensen’s hand, congratulating him. The Republican is one of three veterans in Montana’s federal delegation. Jensen was Zinke’s choice for a letter of recommendation.  

“You earned it, not because your father served but because of your willingness to,” Zinke said to Jensen.  

To gain admission to an academy, a prospective student must obtain a nomination from a U.S. Representative, Senator, the Vice President or President. Applying students must also complete a Candidate Fitness Assessment and pass a medical exam.  

Admission to West Point in highly competitive with an acceptance rate of just 12%.  

The first year at any academy is difficult, Zinke said. The young adults coming in are smart and capable, but the first year as a cadet is about proving whether they can make it through the rigors of the academy.  

“Montanans have a tendency not to quit,” Zinke smiled.  

Jensen serves as the student council class secretary, is a multi-sport athlete and is in the top third of his class with a 3.7 grade point average. He has already accepted his primary nomination for the academy. He is expected to leave for New York at the end of June.  

“When you look at his character, he’s hard working, he’s kind, he’s just a good, good young man,” said Brad Holloway, the principal at Glacier High School.  

He added that when one thinks about the type of person they want serving, Jensen “fits the bill.” 

Jensen is one of four Flathead Valley seniors expected to attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point next year, according to Zinke’s staff. Gabe Lund from Whitefish, Dan Dorsett Jr. from Kila and Lane Chivers from Kalispell also were admitted.  

The meeting included Jensen’s parents, Wylie and Kharyna, his younger brother Thomas and multiple friends.  

Reporter Kate Heston may be reached at 758-4459 or [email protected]. 

    From left to right, Thomas Jensen, Kharyna Jensen, U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke, Wyatt Jensen and Wylie Jensen at Glacier High School. (Kate Heston/Daily Inter Lake)
 Kate Heston