SENATOBIA – Freshman offensive lineman Josh Rea of Northwest has been accepted into the United States Military Academy at West Point Prep School, a huge accomplishment for the 18-year-old from Olive Branch.

Rea played and started in all nine games last season for the Rangers at center after joining the team from Lewisburg High School where he was a two-time all-district lineman and also a two-time preseason all-state selection. Rea helped the Patriots to an 8-4 record and their first-ever playoff appearance in his senior season.

Rea learned about West Point at a very young age and was also recruited by them to play football in addition to Memphis, Samford and Southern Illinois among others. He will go to the preparatory school for one year before going straight to the Academy and hopes to play for the Black Knights in 2015.  

"I've always, in the back of my mind, thought that West Point would be a cool place to go," Rea said. "When I took my first visit in high school, that dream at a young age turned into an ambition."

The hardest commissioning program to qualify for is the United States Military Academy at West Point. Each year, the Academy admits 1,150 to 1,200 young men and women. A West Point cadetship includes a fully funded four-year college education. Tuition, room, board, medical and dental care are provided by the U.S. Army.

Rea wasn't accepted into the Academy out of high school but turned that disappointment into redemption.

"Coming so close right before high school graduation was devastating," Rea said. "It was like a dream that came so close and fell through my hands. But I decided to accept my football scholarship to Northwest and re-apply thanks to several people. I've grown so much and matured having one year of junior college under my belt and looking back, this was perfect timing."

Candidates must meet certain requirements specified by public law in order to be considered for admission to West Point. You're evaluated in three areas: academic performance, demonstrated leadership potential and physical aptitude. The transition from civilian life to a military environment is challenging. 

"The teacher evaluations are where Northwest really came in," Rea said. "I had some awesome teachers help me out when I submitted my application this fall...my chemistry teacher Kayce Rourke, Susan Leake my math teacher and Dr. Sandra Banham my English teacher."

Rea will report to USMAPS in late July 2014 in West Point, N.Y.

"It's an honor and I'm extremely proud to be accepted into the Academy, to represent the state of Mississippi and Northwest Community College. I'll always be a Ranger at heart and I won't waste this opportunity."