4 Cathedral grads headed to West Point

Four members of Cathedral High School's Class of '09 are about to be tested like never before.

Three are headed to the United States Military Academy at West Point. The fourth will go to West Point Prep School.

Cathedral graduates Ben Smith, Marco Caress, and Jon Mecker decided to trade in their high school uniforms for Army Cadet uniforms.

"After researching my college choices, I just decided being in the service was the way to go. I felt like I needed to give something back to my country," said Smith.

The three are fast friends.

Caress said attending West Point was something he wanted to do since he was in sixth grade. He said that's when he read a Time Magazine article about Cadets choosing to attend the Military Academy while the country was at war.

"They knew they were going to war and they still wanted to do it. I thought it was really inspiring to see that kind of courage," said Caress.

For Mecker the decision to attend West Point didn't come as easily. His passion for music led him to apply to the Berkley College of Music. A visit to West Point changed his mind.

"As soon as I visited it, it all sort of hit home. This is where I need to be. This is where I belong," said Mecker.

Getting three seniors into one Service Academy is highly unusual. This year Cathedral High School did one better.

Blake Anthony is on the fast track to West Point. Next Month he will start West Point Preparatory School, a one year program that sends graduates to the Military Academy.

"I'm a little bit anxious. I really just want to go right now. Just start it, let's just do it. Why wait," said Anthony.

It’s a feeling they all share. They’re ready and eager to get started.