If the acceptance letter from the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York, did not make things real for Southern Door senior Thomas Jackson, a full Southern Door Auditorium might have.

With his family and other dignitaries also present, Southern Door School District celebrated Jackson’s recent acceptance into West Point with an all-school assembly. Only one in ten students who apply to attend West Point are accepted, making his years of balancing a rigorous course load and a full slate of extracurricular activities worth it. Attending West Point has been a dream of Jackson’s since middle school, and he is thrilled to have the opportunity to attend the academy.

Rep. Mike Gallagher nominated Jackson for his admittance into the academy, something he says he was proud to do.

Jackson will embark on his journey at West Point this summer, where he hopes to get involved on campus in various activities while settling on a major. Upon graduation, Jackson will be required to serve at least eight years in a combination of Active Duty and Reserve Component Service.