There are endless opportunities each May for Liberty Hill ISD graduates – from college to careers, trade school, the military and everything in between. As the nation celebrates Veterans Day this week, let’s chat with a couple of recent Liberty Hill High School graduates who chose to pursue service at The U.S. Military Academy at West Point. 

Getting accepted to West Point is no small feat, making the accomplishments of recent Liberty Hill graduates Chance Pogue (class of 2022) and Amelia Miller (class of 2025) all the more impressive. According to the U.S. News and World Report, only 12% of applicants are accepted. The application process is open to unmarried U.S. citizens without children between the ages of 17-22. High test scores are needed, with the majority scoring over 1200 on their SAT. There is a formal interview and a nomination is required. This serves as an official endorsement from a U.S. government or military source confirming the applicant has the character and leadership potential to succeed as a cadet. 

According to Pogue, “The example of service in my life inspired me to join and give back to the nation that so many before me have sacrificed to make great. My grandfathers served in the Army and Marines during Vietnam and Korea, my older brother serves in the Navy, and my father was a police officer. Their selfless sacrifices and steadfast commitment to our nation have encouraged me to give back and ensure that those who come after me have the same opportunities that I have been blessed with.” Miller agreed that service and leadership were key in her decision, explaining, “I chose West Point because I believe deeply in its mission to develop leaders of character who will lead America’s sons and daughters. I’ve felt called to serve for a long time, and West Point is where I can live out that calling with purpose.”

Miller’s father, Colonel Zebediah Miller, also serves in the Army as Commander of the 176th Engineer Brigade and the Construction and Facilities Management Officer for the Texas Army National Guard; however, he believes it is the life of service he and his wife, Liberty Hill Middle School Principal Monica Miller, live that influenced her more than his position in the Army. He said, “We are a very service focused family. Amelia and her siblings have grown up serving, and watching us serve, often in a leadership role, so the concept of servant leadership, and taking care of people, is deeply rooted in their core values. The United States Military Academy was an amazing opportunity for her to grow as a leader of character and receive a world class education.”

Miller graduated this past May from Liberty Hill High School and is in her first semester at West Point. A typical day for her begins early with freshman duties, such as cleaning and marking time by calling out the time in shared hallways before breakfast formation at 7 a.m. After breakfast, she attends classes and uses free time to study before lunch. After lunch, she has additional classes, and a few times a week, participates in training sessions focused on character and leadership development. Around 4:30 p.m., she heads to crew practice and then dinner. Evenings are more flexible allowing time for homework and to pursue additional student interests.

During their junior year, cadets will be asked to take an oath to serve in the U.S. Army for a minimum of five years on active duty and an additional three years part time in the reserves. Before doing so, cadets may leave West Point for whatever reason without incurring a service obligation. Many West Point graduates make the Army their career, going on to become senior leaders and officers. Others serve their active duty commitment, gain highly-valued leadership skills and experience, and move on to successful civilian careers.

Pogue has completed his third year and made the commitment to continue to serve in the U.S. Army. He will graduate this coming May. He hopes to serve as an Army Engineer Officer. If selected for that role, he will begin training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri before being assigned to a unit. The Class of 2026 will officially find out what branch of the Army in which they will serve on Branch Night in December.

In addition to Pogue and Miller, Liberty Hill has numerous other recent graduates serving in the U.S. Military. Andon Thomas, class of 2022 with Pogue, is in his final year at West Point and a captain on the Black Knights football team. Analia Thomas, Andon’s younger sister is also serving at West Point and graduated this past May with Miller. Jack Philpot, a 2022 graduate, is a student in the U.S. Naval Academy and caught up with Pogue at a recent Army-Navy game. Konnor Bye, a class of 2021 graduate, visited Army friends while competing at West Point during his time at the U.S. Merchant Marines. 

Both Pogue and Miller believe that growing up in Liberty Hill prepared them for service. “I’m incredibly grateful to have grown up in the Liberty Hill community – an environment that encouraged me to grow, lead and serve,” Miller said. “LHISD gave me countless opportunities to step into leadership roles and contribute to something bigger than myself. Liberty Hill ISD created a space where I could thrive, and that foundation prepared me for the challenges and responsibilities of military service.” Pogue said participating in Panther football gave him “lessons in teamwork, peer leadership, grit, the value of hard work, discipline, and so many more key values that have followed me into my service. These values have served me well during my time at West Point.” 

Liberty Hill High School Principal Bryon Ellison shared, “I am incredibly proud of our LHHS graduates and their commitment to serve. As the principal of LHHS, it is inspiring to see our graduates take the lessons they learned here—both academically and in character—and apply them in service to our country. Their dedication exemplifies our vision of building champions in academics, character, and community. These young leaders are a true testament to the hard work, resilience, and integrity we strive to instill in every student at LHHS.”

Thank you for your dedication and service Amelia, Analia, Andon, Chance, Jack, Konnor, and the many other Liberty Hill ISD graduates serving in our armed forces.