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It was a unique opportunity for a unique young man.
Now, Owen Compton is headed for the U.S. Military Academy at West Point to be all that he can be. What makes Owen's story so unique is that he received nominations to not only West Point, but to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., and the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado City, Colo.
"I chose West Point because it has more tradition to it and it is supposed to be tougher than the others," Owen said.
Finding the most challenging endeavors comes naturally to her son, according to Ann Compton. And meeting those challenges has led to achievement, such as a 12.76 grade point average on a 12-point scale at Warsaw Community High School.
"I remember asking him when he first suggested this (attending a service academy) why he wanted to go through it, and he said, 'Because it's the road less traveled,'" she said.
Owen and his parents worked for more than a year to get an appointment to one of the military schools. After interviews with senators Richard Lugar and Dan Coats, and Rep. Tim Roemer, Owen was given his choice of academies.
"Rep. Roemer nominated me for all three academies (Army, Navy and the Air Force). Senator Coats nominated me for West Point and the Air Force Academy. Senator Lugar nominated me for West Point and the Merchant Marines Academy," Owen said.
The multiple nominations are an understandable source of pride for his family.
"We're so proud of him," said his father Rick. "It's a very selective process - only 1,000 out of the 13,000 who apply each year get in."
Owen relied on his grades and activities such as participation on the Warsaw tennis team, where he was named Academic All-State; the Boys State convention, sponsored by the American Legion; and membership in the National Honor Society to prevail in the competition for the limited number of West Point appointments.
But the most difficult thing about getting the appointment was the anticipation, according to Owen.
"The hardest part was waiting," he said. "We'd call and see if the announcements were coming, and we were told to just wait."
The waiting is over for Owen, and West Point awaits. He is scheduled to leave for basic training June 28.
