Student headed to West Point, Celina Record

Celina student prepares to study at U.S. military’s West Point Lisa Ferguson, lferguson@starlocalmedia.com May 27, 2016 Lauren Schultz is the type of person some might call an overachiever. It’s a good thing the Celina High School senior doesn’t seem to mind. Her parents raised her not to “ever take the easy road,” she said, which is why she spent the bulk of her high school career enrolled in advanced academic courses, playing several sports and being active in student government. Nevertheless, 17-year-old Schultz said even she was surprised when recruiters from the United States Military Academy at West Point came calling last summer and asked her to apply to the prestigious school. “Honestly, West Point never crossed my mind as something I could possibly do before then,” she said. After securing a congressional nomination from Rep. John Ratcliffe, R-Texas, enduring a challenging interview process and completing other application requirements, Schultz received an appointment to the academy that she accepted earlier this year. She will head to the campus in West Point, New York next month to complete six weeks of Army basic training before beginning classes in August. “For my dream of going into the military and serving my country and getting a great education at the same time, that’s literally the best opportunity that could come around,” said Schultz, who this year served as Celina High School’s student body vice president. She also starred on its track and field team. Earlier this month she competed in the Class 4A UIL State Track and Field Championships in Austin, where she won a bronze medal in girls’ discus throwing and finished sixth in the shot put event. Schultz said her involvement in school sports “made me into the person I am today” and credits her coach, Andrea Franklin, for much of her success this year. “She pushed me really hard every day and made me stronger than I've ever been before.” Celina High School Assistant Principal Dave Wilson said he “can’t be more proud” of Schultz’s athletic and academic accomplishments. “She does it with hard work and high intelligence and she does it with class,” he said. Wilson said Schultz “has been a shining example and I’ve absolutely utilized her with the younger kids in our building” to demonstrate the results of hard work. “It gets you to the mountain top.” Schultz was recruited by West Point’s assistant track and field coach. She plans to compete on its team while studying to possibly become a physical therapist. She said she would like to work in the future with amputee patients. “The science behind all of that right now is just exploding and I think it would be a really great time to get involved.” The West Point experience will be demanding. During her freshman year, Schultz will be required to wear a uniform, walk with her hands “cupped” in fists and will be prohibited from speaking outside of her living quarters and academic buildings. “Honestly, I don’t think you can mentally prepare for it until you get there,” she said. “I just have to be confident in myself to know that I can do it. I just keep thinking if thousands have done it before me then I can do it, too.” Ratcliffe called Schultz “an exceptional young woman with a bright future ahead of her. … I’m truly humbled to represent bright and ambitious young people like Lauren who are aspiring to serve our country.” Following her graduation from West Point in four years, Schultz will be commissioned as an Army second lieutenant and will serve for at least five years but said she isn’t sure whether she’ll pursue a military career. “I honestly think it’s kind of sad that people don’t feel the call to serve anymore,” she said. “That’s something I really want to do and I think as an American we all have a duty to protect this incredible [country] that we have.”