Maggie Bush ’26 leaves for New York this month to fulfill her dream of attending the United States Military Academy at West Point. Bush is from a military family and has been working to get an appointment at the Academy since her sophomore year of high school.
“My family motivated me to apply,” said Bush. “They taught me how important integrity and making sacrifices in life are.”
Bush will be the third generation in her family to serve in the U.S. military.
“My grandpa served in the Air Force. Both my dad and my sister attended the Air Force Academy. Their service to our country greatly inspired me to serve, whether at an academy, a prep school, or ROTC at a civilian school. Specifically, I wanted to go to West Point because I feel Army traditions and values resonate with me most,” she said.
To be considered for a military academy appointment, Bush had to be recommended by a United States representative, senator or the vice president. Bush received her West Point nomination from Representative Mike Turner. Receiving this nomination is only the initial phase of the process as she had to meet academic requirements and be evaluated on character, leadership, motivation, and both physical and medical fitness.
“Being organized was the most important part of the process. I put everything up on my big calendar in my room and just chipped away at everything I had to do. As much as I pride myself on being independent, it was helpful to ask my dad and sister questions since they went through a similar process. During the process, I put my grades above all else and then extracurriculars and applications came second,” said Bush
Bush’s academic priorities paid off. She graduated Magna Cum Laude (GPA between 4.0 and 4.24), earned the Presidential Award of Educational Achievement, and was a member of the National Honor Society.
“In her time at CJ, Maggie has shown strength and determination as a student and athlete,” said Greg Mueller, principal. “The skills she has enhanced while growing as an Eagle will serve her well as she continues her journey at West Point.”
Outside the classroom, Bush demonstrated strong leadership at CJ, serving as an Eagle Ambassador, Soar representative, LIFE Leadership member, and Kairos retreat leader. Bush was also a student leader with Lighthouse, a group that promotes mental health awareness.
“Lighthouse is important to me,” said Bush. “Everyone deserves to feel heard and know they are not alone in anything that they do. I am always grateful for the people who helped me when I’ve felt stressed, anxious, or sad about something. As a leader in Lighthouse, I was grateful that people felt they could come to me if they needed to.”
Bush is physically ready, having played on both the soccer and basketball teams throughout her time at CJ. As a senior, she served as a captain of the soccer and basketball teams.
“The biggest thing I learned from being a team captain is how to communicate with others and handle criticism and advice,” she said.
Although her soccer team did well, finishing runner-up in districts, a highlight of her senior year was leading the girls basketball team to the Division III State Championship.
“Basketball has helped me become a better leader both on and off the court,” said Bush. “It is also where I get my resilience from. Everyone loses a game or has a bad practice occasionally, and while I have my coaches and teammates there to help pick me up on an off day, it is important for me to get back up on my own, too. These are lessons I will carry with me to West Point and beyond.”
As Bush spends her shortened summer visiting with friends at graduation parties and making last-minute preparations, she is thankful for her school community, which helped her get to this point.
“I also could not have gotten through the military academy process without my teachers, Mrs. Sarah Stone and Mrs. Beth Marshall, and college counselor, Mr. Andy Taube,” she said. “I am grateful to my two biggest mentors—my two basketball coaches, Coach Logan Allen and Coach Kevin Williams.”
Allen said, “Maggie’s appointment to West Point can only be summed up as ‘A Dream Realized.’ We’re all so excited for her. For her to have a dream, work tirelessly in the pursuit of it, and then achieve it – that says everything you need to know about Maggie. She embodies the spirit of her personal family and her CJ family. She’s accomplished so much, and yet, her most important days are ahead of her. I’m so thrilled we get to experience all the tremendous things she does next for herself, our community, and our country!”
Bush said that she is considering studying either war studies or chemistry and has until the end of her freshman year to decide. For now, she is ready to see where her military journey takes her.
“I am most excited to meet new people who will have similar experiences to me,” she said. “I have never gone to a large school before. I can’t wait to make new memories and experience camaraderie at this level.”