Ian Betzel, a graduate of Landrum High School class of 2013 will attend West Point U. S. Military Academy in New York. Ian is the first graduate of Landrum High School to be accepted to this prestigious institution, and the first to attend one of the four U.S. military academies.

The mission of the U.S. Military Academy is to educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character. Graduates must be committed to the values of duty, honor and country.

They must be prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the nation as an officer in the United States Army.

The West Point curriculum offers 45 majors, balancing physical sciences and engineering with humanities and social sciences. Each of these programs allows students the opportunity to obtain a bachelor of science degree. Areas of summer instruction include first aid, mountaineering, hand grenades, rifle marksmanship, and nuclear, biological and chemical training.

Betzel will enter West Point on July 1, 2013 to complete six weeks of Cadet Basic Training (CBT), also referred to as “Beast Barracks.” Classes will then begin on Aug. 19.

CBT, the initial military training program, provides cadets with basic skills to instill discipline, pride, cohesion, confidence and a high sense of duty.

Each of these skills will be necessary to prepare them for entry into the Corps of Cadets. Betzel accepts his new responsibilities as a defender of the United States with determination, confidence, and excitement for what is to come.

Ian Betzel is the son of Larry and KC Betzel of Landrum, SC.

– article submitted by KC Betzel