Derek King, a Palmerton senior, has always pictured himself serving our country.

His dream has finally become a reality, as he plans to further his academic and military training at the prestigious U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

This astounding accomplishment resulted from a grueling application process and can be attributed to King’s years of hard work both in and out of school. King said the application process was “definitely long and grueling. You need a lot of letters from teachers … filling out stuff yourself, filling out stuff from other people, getting a physical, getting eye exams, getting a PT test. … It’s just kind of making sure you’re balanced all around. Not just your academics. You have to be really smart, but you also have to be athletic.”

When deciding to apply to West Point, although King knew it would be a strenuous undertaking, he was confident that it was the right choice for him.

“I’ve always thought about serving in the military, definitely been something I’ve always wanted to do,” King said. “But then, I’ve also always wanted to go to college. It’s the perfect mix of both. When you come out, you come out as an officer in the Army, and that’s what I want to do in the Army.”

His acceptance to West Point did not come as a surprise to those close to him, as his leadership skills and work ethic made him a strong applicant.

Palmerton wrestling coach Justin Petersen spoke highly of King, who was a wrestling team captain for three years.

“Derek is a natural-born leader,” Peterson said. “Some people just have it, and it was apparent early on that he did. His teammates gravitated towards him, listened to what he said, and wanted to follow what he did. We had upperclassmen that followed him even when he was a freshman or sophomore.

“He isn’t the most vocal leader, but that has been where I have seen the most growth over my time with him. He also leads by example, but he has been more vocal over the past couple of years, which helped our team out a lot.”

King, too, was confident in his strength as an applicant.

“I thought I had confidence in getting in,” he said. “But, I definitely was doubting it because it took a little while to get accepted. Definitely past the expected deadline of when I’d hear.”

Although King just recently got word of his acceptance to the institution, he must gear up quickly for basic training, which he will begin on June 30.

“I guess the next steps are … a lot more paperwork, filling out stuff like bank accounts, more vision exams, stuff like that, making sure you are well suited to go to basic training,” King said.

Palmerton undoubtedly impacted King, guiding and supporting him throughout his academic and athletic endeavors.

“The community is so involved and supportive of everyone,” he said. “With wrestling, everyone around me helps me. It made me a better person, kept me disciplined, and taught me respect for everyone. Not just the people I’m with, but everyone in the whole town.”

King’s supporters have high hopes for him and his future at West Point.

“First and foremost I hope he is happy,” Petersen said. “He is such a great kid that has been so much fun to coach. Outside of that just success in how he defines that. I don’t have any doubts that he will be successful.

“We are very proud of him and what he represents. I really look forward to following his journeys.”