Growing up in Maud, Ethan Jennings knew he wanted to do his part to serve his country. And, after four years of training and study, he has earned the distinction of graduating from one of the most prestigious military schools in the nation.

“For as long as I can remember, I’ve always felt like I should serve. My dad was in the Army and I’ve had a lot of family who served in the military in various branches … I think it’s a really great way to serve the country … Everyone enjoys all the pleasures and rights we have as an American and I wanted to do something to help protect those in whatever way,” he said.

Jennings is a 2024 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., where he earned the distinction of second lieutenant in the U.S. Army within the Infantry branch.

West Point has an acceptance rate of about 12-percent and an applicant must have a congressional or service- connected nomination. Competitive applicants are highly qualified and achieve outstanding ACT or SAT scores and grades, have high levels of extracurricular activities and must complete essays as part of the process.

“It is definitely one of the hardest things I ever did. Four years is a very long time and it is a very hard school to get through,” he said.

When he began his training, the nation was facing a national pandemic and training was rough.

“When it started out, we still had to wear masks and social distance and everything because it was the peak of COVID. So that made it a lot worse because we were doing PT and everything and we still had to have on masks. Sweating into a mask, you’re basically waterboarding yourself while you’re trying to work out,” Jennings said.

But he found a way to discover the silver lining.

“In the moment it sucks, but when you get done with it, you turn around and think that’s kind of fun … especially if you just take a little moment on some of those spots. You take a look and realize, wow, it’s beautiful up here. That’s one of the things that helped me get through it the most,” he added.

Jennings said he was also pushed mentally as well as physically.

But it was the people he met and the friendships he developed through the school that he will remember most.

“The people in my trainings are some of the best people I’ve ever met,” he said. “I’ve met some of my very best friends that I know I will keep in touch with for the rest of my life.”

He is a 2020 graduate of Maud High School and the son of Hugh and Necy Jennings.

Jennings said his military career works well into his personal hobbies.

“I really like going on hikes and shooting, so my training includes my hobbies,” he said with a laugh. “I was able to go to Alaska this past year and we did some really cool hikes there, climbed some mountains and saw some absolutely beautiful views.”

He is also an avid reader.

“I have a small library that I’ve acquired over the years. Mom’s kind of glad that I’m moving out so I can take all the books with me because I have piles outside of my bookshelf since it’s full,” he joked.

Today, Jennings leaves for a six month training in the Infantry Basic Officer Leader Course at Fort Moore, Georgia.

Following his training in Georgia, he will take up his first assignment at Fort Riley, Kansas.

“One thing that I like about the Army is there are always opportunities to challenge yourself, physically and mentally. Since I’m going infantry, I have the option to go to Ranger school,” Jennings said. “There’s plenty of ways to challenge yourself. With many of them, you get a badge or tab. You get to wear it with pride and say, ‘I did that.’”