1st Female West Orange High School Student Accepted To West Point

WEST ORANGE, NJ — A West Orange High School senior has completed a bittersweet-but-rewarding journey, becoming the first female student in school history to be accepted to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point (USMA).

It hasn’t been an easy path to glory for Vanessa Lettman, who received a conditional appointment to West Point for the class of 2023… contingent on medical clearance.

But as fate would have it – just as she was celebrating her acceptance into the prestigious military academy – Lettman hurt herself in the West Orange High School girls soccer season home opener. The injury required ACL reconstruction surgery and intense physical therapy, which put her military career in jeopardy, school administrators said.

According to West Orange school officials:

“Due to recently updated Department of Defense medical guidelines, a minimum recovery period of at least 12 months following surgical reconstruction is required prior to starting USMA, which begins July 1. Due to her solid record of achievement, she was subsequently offered admission to The United States Military Academy Preparatory School (USMAPS) at West Point in order to give her ample time to heal properly and avoid potential for re-injury while preparing her for the physical demands of USMA.”

Ultimately, Lettman ended up stronger for the experience, she said.

“I try to find a positive message through any adversity and despite the minor physical setback, I know I am capable of a powerful resurgence and I will be fine,” Lettman said.

WEST ORANGE AND WEST POINT: A 7-YEAR TRADITION

In addition to Lettman, three other seniors in the 2019 graduating class at West Orange High School have been accepted to West Point, a record number for the district.

According to West Orange High School Principal Hayden Moore, a student from WOHS has been chosen to attend West Point each of the past seven years.

This year, in addition to Lettman, the three chosen students are Colin Morgan, Wes Rideau-Winds and Andrew Amoyaw.

Morgan is following in his brother Chris’ footsteps, and will head directly to the academy along with Wes Rideau-Winds. Amoyaw will also attend the Prep School for a year along with Lettman before heading to the academy, school officials said.

“We are so proud of Vanessa, Colin, Wes, and Andrew and know they will do great things,” Moore said. “They represent the caliber of students here at West Orange, and we wish them the best of luck.”

• See related article: West Orange Teen Follows Brother's Footsteps To West Point
• See related article: West Orange High School Wrestler Heading to West Point

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