Helena student nominated by Tester accepted to West Point

(U.S. SENATE) – Senator Jon Tester today announced that a Helena High School student has been accepted to the prestigious U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y.

Josey Smiedala, 18, is team captain of Helena’s Varsity Cross Country team and a state champion in track and field. She volunteers for the Florence Crittenton Home and mentors incoming freshman at Helena High. Tester nominated Josey in 2014, and today he personally called her to tell her that she had been accepted into the Academy.

“I’m proud of Josey’s dedication to serving Montana and our country,” said Tester, a former teacher. “Josey is a remarkable young woman who has chosen to participate in Montana’s important tradition of military service. I look forward to her future successes and wish her the best of luck.”

Tester nominated 30 Montana students to the nation’s military service academies based on their academic achievement, leadership, community service and participation in extracurricular activities.

Montanans interested in applying for a military academy nomination in the future are encouraged to do so online at Tester’s website.

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