Please join us in congratulating Newtown Square resident Matthew DeAngelo on his nomination, appointment and acceptance to attend The United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point. He will graduate from Marple Newtown High School (MNHS) this month, enjoy a brief 10-day summer break then head to West Point, NY, to begin his journey.
The oldest of the five American service academies, West Point educates its cadets for commissioning into the United States Army – a goal Matt set for himself as a young boy. “Both of my grandfathers served in the military,” Matt explained. “I have just always felt a need to serve my country.” His plan and his path to this point were solidified when Matt was in seventh grade. “I remember sitting in my living room one afternoon watching the Army–Navy football game when I decided that West Point would be in my future.”
But acceptance to West Point isn’t as simple as submitting good grades, test scores and writing an essay. The application process to the USMA requires a nomination, usually from a member of Congress, submission of transcripts and college-entrance exam scores, completion of a screening questionnaire, an interview with a Field Force Representative, a complete medical examination and a satisfactory fitness assessment.
Matt explained that once he learned what it would take to achieve his goal, he got to work and never looked back. “I was an active kid involved in sports, the Boy Scouts and the youth group at St. Anastasia,” he said. “I set my sights on becoming an Eagle Scout, which is the highest rank attainable, volunteering and mentoring at church, running indoor and outdoor track, cross country and playing football.”
That level of determination earned Matt his Eagle Scout medal and a nomination to attend The American Legion Boys State summer leadership program for high school juniors, which focused on exploring American government and politics. It also allowed Matt to excel in academics and athletics at MNHS. Chris Gicking is the Athletic Director at Marple and has coached Matt on the football team. “Matt is an exceptional young man who is wise beyond his years,” Chris said. “He is an unbelievable leader on the field but more importantly off the field, in the classroom and in the community.”
Father Michael Colagreco at St. Anastasia Parish agreed with Chris’ sentiments and said he has known Matt for many years. “Matt has always been very focused in a good way,” he remarked. “Matt is very driven, and when he sees something he wants, he figures out a way to make it happen.” Father Colagreco added that he is very proud of Matt and looks forward to watching him excel at West Point.
There is no doubt there is a long list of folks who can attest to Matt’s drive and determination. Still, in order to ultimately earn his place at West Point, he needed to be nominated by a member of Congress and interviewed and recommended by the Service Academy Selection Board. “This past fall, I reached out to Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, who serves our 5th Congressional District,” Matt explained. “I composed a letter detailing my desire to attend West Point, my academic and athletic achievements, my service work in the community, and my plans for the future.”
Matt was then interviewed by the selection board and was told that he would be notified in December as to whether or not he would receive a nomination. “I learned that the nominations were released on December 23rd,” Matt said. “I saw that my name was on the list for nomination, then I received a phone call from Scott Belveal (USMA ’92), who was one of the selection board members, confirming my nomination.”
“Early Christmas morning, I officially accepted the offer to attend West Point on their portal.” Matt smiled when he said the timing could not have been more perfect. “It was the best Christmas present I could have ever received,” he said.
The academic program at West Point will earn Matt a Bachelor of Science degree with a curriculum that grades cadets’ performance upon a broad academic program, military leadership performance and mandatory participation in competitive athletics. Matt said he is keeping his options open to explore all of the programs and majors West Point offers. “I will choose an area of study that is best for me, my future and my commitment to serve our country,” he explained. “The USMA is investing in me, and I take that very seriously. I look forward to earning a top-notch education and continuing the legacy of my grandfathers.”
Publisher’s Note: No surprise here. I first met Matt DeAngelo as a first grade Tiger Cub Scout while I served as Cubmaster of Cub Pack 315. I followed Matt on his trail to Eagle Scout as a youth leader of Boy Scout Troop 315. I tested that leadership four years ago this month, when I called on Matt to muster his cheerful service in joining his family on the cover of our Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors, on the June 2019 cover. Congratulations Matt. We are proud you’re heading to your next leadership trail, in college and in military service at West Point. My only advice, knowing well the young man you are, comes from the wisdom from St. Francis DeSales: “Be you.., and be that well.”