Levittown Student Achieves Dream Of Being Accepted To West Point

LEVITTOWN, NY — Connor Gentile, a senior at Division Avenue High School, has achieved a longstanding dream with his recent acceptance to the United States Military Academy West Point.

As soon as the rigorous application process for West Point opened, Gentile got to work. The application involves multiple tests, essays and interviews, as well as a required sponsorship from a United States congressmember, which Connor received from U.S. Rep. Andrew Garbarino. Of the roughly 14,000 applications received nationwide, only about 4,000 are accepted to the school.

Gentile was inspired to pursue West Point when he visited Fort Leonard Wood in St. Louis, Missouri, for his sister’s boot camp graduation. There, he saw the base’s service members live in a self-sustaining community and drill sergeants leading calculated routines.

Through his years of school in Levittown, Gentile worked toward his goal of attending West Point at every opportunity. He joined organizations such as the Sons of the American Legion and the Long Island Young Marines and played football, wrestling and lacrosse. He also started boxing last year, which he plans to play at West Point.

“It doesn’t just start when the application process opens,” Gentile said. “It started in middle school when I ran for class president in ninth grade. It starts early and it takes a lot, a lot of discipline, sacrifices and hard work.”

Gentile is unsure where the next four years will take him, but he said he would like to stay in the military after graduation.

“My goal wasn’t just to be accepted at West Point — it’s to excel and to be one of the best there,” he said.