Max Sechena, a C.M. Russell High senior, was one of 25 Montana students nominated by Sen. Steve Daines for enrollment in a U.S. military academy.
Sechena is applying for enrollment in both the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., and the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.
“I wanted to find meaningful work, and I thought the military was the way to do that,” Sechena said. “You know that soldier phase that I think every little kid goes through? That never really ended for me.”
Sechena’s nomination is just one step in the lengthy journey to enrollment. Through the application process, students must exhibit exemplary academic, civic and athletic achievement. Following the submission of their application, students must undergo interviews before receiving their congressional nomination.
Sechena said it is a huge honor to have received the nomination from Daines.
“One of my greatest honors as Montana’s U.S. senator is nominating committed young Montanans to compete for an appointment to one of our nation’s military academies,” said Daines, R-Mont. “I commend these remarkable students for their commitment to serving our nation in keeping with Montana’s strong legacy of service, and I wish them the best as they continue in this extremely competitive process.”
Sechena said he is interested in both schools, but is leaning toward West Point as his No. 1 choice. If he is accepted, he plans to attend go to Ranger school and eventually onto Special Forces training.
If he attends the Naval Academy, Sechena hopes to become a Navy SEAL.
“My parents are a little nervous because of the path I want to take, but they’re supportive of the life I’ve chosen.” Sechena said.
Sen. Daines’ 2016 academy nominations
Alexa Arthun, Manhattan – U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Naval Academy
Adam Barrie, Billings – U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, and U.S. Military Academy.
Marshall Beatty, Missoula – U.S. Military Academy
Tanner Branstetter, Laurel – U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy
Travis Catina, Whitefish –U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy
Jordan Christian, Great Falls – U.S. Air Force Academy
Cody Dykstra, Manhattan – U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy
Dean Cole, Scobey – U.S. Naval Academy
Tyler Gurchiek, Billings – U.S. Air Force Academy
Bekah Joy, Missoula – U.S. Air Force Academy
Griffin Line, Missoula – U.S. Air Force Academy
Cole Lower, Bozeman – U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and U.S. Naval Academy
Colin Maloney, Libby – U.S. Air Force Academy
Ally Martin, Two Dot – U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy
Evan Morris, Bozeman – U.S. Naval Academy
Deagan Muth, Whitefish – U.S. Air Force Academy
Simon Petsch, Billings – U.S. Naval Academy
Jacob Rasch, Clancy – U.S. Military Academy
Ben Rauscher, Conrad – U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy
Max Sechena, Great Falls – U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy
Miriam Smith – U.S. Military Academy
Andrew Sorenson – U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Military Academy
Max Triepke, Missoula – U.S. Air Force Academy
Madison Ward – U.S. Naval Academy
Cade Wessel, Bozeman – U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy