SANDPOINT — For rising Sandpoint High School seniors Teagan Newsom and Elizabeth Storms, attending the United States Military Academy at West Point after graduating is the goal. 

So, when both students learned they were accepted into the school's Summer Leaders Experience program, they were ecstatic.  

Last month, the 17-year-olds spent five days at one of the most prestigious military academies in the world experiencing what life would be like as a cadet at West Point.

The SLE program, which accepts roughly 1,500 students each summer, is highly selective. Newsom and Storms were among only six Idaho students invited from the Gem State to join the program this summer, according to the Lake Pend Oreille School District officials. 

The strict schedule had them waking up as early as 4 a.m., training in the grueling heat and promptly obeying the shouting commands of West Point cadets. 

“We had to be wearing the exact thing that they told us at the same time every day, eat at the same time every day, be on the wall at the same time every day,” Newsom said. 

The intensity of the program did not deter the prospective cadets. In fact, it only confirmed their desire to attend West Point. But that didn't mean it wasn't challenging, the pair said. 

For Storms, the first day was the hardest. Not knowing anyone was isolating. However, once she was assigned her platoon and squad, she began to get to know more people, making the program "a lot more bearable." 

“You’re all in it together and most of the people are there for the same reason as you, so they thrive in that environment also,” said Newsom. “You’re competing but pushing each other in a healthy way.” 

Storms echoed Newsom's sentiment, saying one of the best things about participating in the program was being around others who are just as driven. 

The program also provided skills that extended beyond physical training. 

Newsom said completing squad obstacle courses taught her how to be a better communicator. She realized succeeding in the course required being both a good listener and follower. 

“You had to be able to communicate well, but also do what other people are telling you to do,” said Newsom. 

Newsom said she was pushed physically in different ways, too. Though she is terrified of heights, Newsom recalled having to repel off an 80-foot wall. 

"You have to do it anyway. You're there," Newsom said. "I was like, 'There's no better time, and it's not like I'm going to chicken out here.'" 

Both students mentioned that participating in sports programs offered at the high school prepared them for the SLE program. 

“I run, and we did a lot of running,” said Storms, who is on the SHS track and cross-country teams. 

Newsom, who is a member of the SHS wrestling team, described the sport as "extremely mind-driven," adding that it helped her remember she could persevere. 

When it comes to their future careers, the teens are already looking ahead. 

“The goal is general surgeon," said Storms. “There’s different options to get into medical school from West Point, and I’m interested to pursue that.” 

While Storms is also applying to different colleges, West Point remains a top choice. 

“I know that the rigor there will prepare me for medical school and the leadership will prepare me for also being a surgeon,” she said. 

West Point is also a top choice for Newsom, who enjoys the structure and challenges the school offers. She sees herself pursuing anesthesiology or becoming an army nurse and is also applying to different colleges, including the United States Air Force Academy.  

Storms said the soldiers protecting and defending the country need support, and she hopes to use her skills and experience to help them. 

“If I am able to help them and their families, that’s the best thing I could do with my life,” she said.