Johnson nominated by Montana Sens. Jon Tester and Steve Daines, and Rep. Ryan Zinke; plans to join U.S. Army
By Jack Reaney ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Lone Peak High School senior Beckett Johnson will attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point after graduating in the spring. After moving to Big Sky in 2021, Johnson became the first LPHS student accepted to the prestigious military academy.
Johnson said he’s been considering a military education for a few years. He plans to pursue a career in the infantry after education.
“I’ve always had a great respect for veterans and people who serve their country for something greater than themselves,” Johnson told EBS. “A lot of my mentors are veterans, and I feel like those are the kind of people I aspire to be, so I figured I should probably follow their path.”
He appreciates Tony Coppola and Jeremy Harder, his teachers and soccer coaches, for their involvement with the American Legion and for sponsoring his summer 2023 trip to American Legion Boys State‚ an organization largely run by veterans. Johnson also received help in the application process from local Air Force veterans John and Bobbi Gilbert.
Applying to West Point was tricky, Johnson said, but he was fortunate to pass eligibility screenings for health and other factors, which helped his odds. About a year ago, Johnson began working out in preparation for West Point’s physical test—including push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, one-mile run and a basketball throw. He continued pushing himself in academics and extracurricular activities, including some volunteer time with Big Sky Bravery, a Montana-based nonprofit that supports active-duty special operations forces.
The West Point application also required a nomination from a senator or state representative. Johnson sent transcripts and essays, interviewed with, and was ultimately nominated by three: Sens. Jon Tester and Steve Daines, and Rep. Ryan Zinke.
Johnson recently met with Tester when the senator visited the area.
“He came up to me and said, ‘I know you,’” Johnson recalled. He thanked the senator for his nomination, and was thanked in return.
“Don’t thank me, you’re the one who’s going to be serving our country,” Johnson recalled Tester responding.
A Jan. 17 press release from Sen. Tester’s office included a statement about Johnson.
“Montanans have a long and proud history of serving in our armed services, and it’s an honor to help our state’s best and brightest students continue that legacy at our military service academies,” Tester stated. “Beckett is an outstanding leader inside and outside the classroom, and I look forward to seeing him continue to make our state proud by serving our country.”
Johnson thanked his parents for understanding his decision to join the army, his teachers in Big Sky who have made an impact during his three years at Lone Peak, and his coaches and friends for pushing him to be the best version of himself.
“A lot of my mentors are veterans, and I feel like those are the kind of people I aspire to be, so I figured I should probably follow their path.”
Coppola and Harder wrote a joint statement to EBS about Johnson’s impact at Lone Peak High School.
“Beckett is an extraordinary member of our learning and athletic community. In the hallways and classroom, he often holds high expectations for himself. These repeatedly carry over to his classmates and elevate the learning environment.”
Johnson is a member of the National Honor Society. Coppola and Harder praised him as a “prolific leader” in the classroom and as a tutor to younger students, and as a soccer team captain.
“As his coaches, teachers, and friends, we respect his decision to enter West Point, making him the first LPHS student to be accepted. He will be fulfilling the civic duty of serving his country, defending the Constitution, and embarking on a journey complete of unique worldly experiences,” Coppola and Harder wrote.
On the soccer field, they credit him for aiding the program’s culture and work ethic. This season, Johnson and fellow senior Cash Beattie made the Class A all-state team and the first-team Montana Class A Eastern Conference roster. The Big Horns reached the state semifinal for the first time in school history.
“His invaluable contributions on the field as a dominant player in the league helped us succeed. As a captain in his senior year, Beckett modeled hard work, determination, and a newfound sense of maturity that his fellow players emulated,” Johnson’s coaches wrote.
“We are honored to have had the opportunity to learn from you,” they added, and wished Johnson luck in his next chapter beyond Big Sky.
