After an intense application process, North Shore High School senior Christian Choi has been accepted into the United States Military Academy at West Point. According to Superintendent Chris Zublionis, Choi is the first North Shore student to commit to West Point in at least seven years.
Choi spent the first half of his freshman year of high school at Culver Military Academy in Indiana. He said he developed a close relationship with his advisor, a former army ranger, who inspired him and played a large role in motivating him to work toward his goal of serving in the military.
“I kind of wanted to be just like him,” Choi said, “in a way.” He added that wanting to help people and be part of something bigger than himself also drove his interest in military service.
West Point has an acceptance rate of 12 percent, and applicants go through a rigorous process. Candidates must demonstrate academic excellence and strong leadership skills. They must also pass a physical fitness test assessing strength, agility, power, balance, speed and endurance. Applicants are required to be nominated by a member of Congress.
Now that he has been accepted, Choi said he feels “pretty nervous” but excited. He credited his North Shore guidance counselor Joanne Fawcett with supporting him through the application process, including securing key internships.
“She helped me find those opportunities,” Choi said, “and I think they were pretty pivotal in my application.”
Choi worked on Rep. Tom Suozzi’s campaign in 2024 during an internship Suozzi later nominated him for admission to West Point. Choi said he was “extremely grateful” to be nominated.
“I was proud to have nominated Christian Choi to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point,” Suozzi wrote in a statement to the Herald. “Christian is a very deserving, hard-working and committed young man who has earned this opportunity through his dedication and character. He is driven to challenge himself every day, and prepare for a life of service, with a clear sense of purpose and vision for his future. I have no doubt he will serve our country proudly.”
Choi said that during his internship with the Suozzi campaign, he gained team experience applicable to his future military career. He explained how while everyone had their own role, they all worked together toward getting Suozzi elected.
Fawcett praised Choi’s attitude and leadership, particularly during his internship.
“Christian is a great motivator of people,” she said. “He’s got enthusiasm that’s infectious, and he’s always going to get the job done. So, I think that when the campaign saw that a young person was doing well with canvassing, they had him lead other folks that were doing the same thing.”
In addition to internships, Choi has participated in Port Rowing, a competitive rowing club in Port Washington, all during all four years of high school after transferring to North Shore. He is also a member of the National Honor Society, Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society and the National Math Honor Society.
Choi was awarded the four-year Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Scholarship. Applicants for the competitive scholarship must have a high grade point average, display physical fitness and have leadership experience.
With so few North Shore students even applying to West Point, Zublionis described Choi’s acceptance as “very special” for the district. He also explained that Choi’s achievement is representative of North Shore’s values.
“We’re just so proud of him, and our entire school community is proud of him,” Zublionis said. “He really exemplifies that commitment not only to himself, but to others at the highest level.”
