News Summary
Robert Alston Jr., a recent graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, has made history as the first Whale Branch Early College High School alumnus to earn a degree from the prestigious military institution. Alston graduated with a bachelor of science degree and a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, reflecting on his journey from a small-town student to a leader in the military. His achievement serves as an inspiration to current students and showcases the potential within Whale Branch’s unique educational model.
Seabrook, South Carolina – Robert Alston Jr., a recent graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, has made history as the first alumnus of Whale Branch Early College High School to earn a degree from the prestigious military institution. Alston graduated on June 13, 2023, receiving a bachelor of science degree and a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.
Whale Branch Early College High School, located in Seabrook, approximately 10 miles north of Beaufort, opened its doors in 2010. The school offers a unique partnership with the Technical College of the Lowcountry, which provides students the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school. Since its inception, there had been no graduates who went on to West Point until Alston’s remarkable achievement.
At the age of 24, Alston reflects on his journey from being a student in a small town to graduating from West Point, attributing his success to perseverance and determination. Alston completed a year of preparatory school after enlisting in the Army, where he honed his skills and discipline before attending West Point.
During his time at Whale Branch, Alston was actively involved in the school’s ROTC program for two years and began taking college classes as a sophomore. He graduated from high school in 2018 at just 17 years old. His dedication not only to academics but also to sports led him to play basketball and participate in track during his high school years.
After high school, Alston enlisted in the Army and underwent basic training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. His career progressed through medical training at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, where he excelled, earning the title of Soldier of the Year at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. It was while at Aberdeen Proving Ground that Alston received encouragement from his commander, a West Point graduate, to apply to the academy, shifting his original plans of attending college in South Carolina to a pursuit of a degree from West Point.
Alston faced significant challenges while attending West Point, including enduring harsh winter conditions in New York. Despite these obstacles, he flourished academically and personally, with the class motto “Together We Thrive” underscoring the importance of teamwork among cadets from diverse backgrounds.
Now obligated to five years of military service, Alston anticipates that he may serve up to 20 years in the Army. Following his graduation, he has been assigned to Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri for engineering studies, with an upcoming move to Fort Johnson in Louisiana. Alston has future ambitions that extend beyond military service; he plans to pursue a master’s degree in business administration and hopes to run or own his own business someday.
Alston’s achievement stands as an inspiration for current students of Whale Branch Early College High School and showcases the potential for success that can emerge from the school’s unique educational model.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Robert Alston Jr. Makes History
- Wikipedia: United States Military Academy
- Island Packet: Whale Branch Early College High School
- Google Search: Whale Branch Early College High School
- Island Packet: Alston’s Future Ambitions
- Google Scholar: Military Education
- Island Packet: Alston’s Journey
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Military Academy
- Island Packet: Inspiring Stories from Whale Branch
- Google News: Alumni Success Stories
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
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