Southern Door alum Thomas Jackson is onto the next step of his military career after graduating from the United States Military Academy’s Cadet Basic Training. With his parents, sisters, and grandparents watching on, Jackson participated in the Acceptance Day ceremonies at the United States Military Academy’s parade grounds in West Point, New York. The event marks a cadet’s formal acceptance into the student body and the commencement of the academic year. The ceremonies include the entire corps of cadets marching onto the parade grounds before they face the rest of the student body, which is ordered to open their ranks to accept their newest members. Jackson, who graduated from Southern Door earlier this year as its valedictorian, will take over 20 credits this fall, including accelerated math and Spanish coursework. When he graduates from West Point in 2028, Jackson will be required to serve at least eight years in a combination of Active Duty and Reserve Component Service.

Picture and anecdotes courtesy of Christopher Jackson, video courtesy of West Point