Las Vegas athlete to head to prestigious military academy

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A Las Vegas student is showing that hard work, discipline, and dedication truly pay off.
Jackson Bentham, a standout athlete and student leader, is now taking the next bold step in his journey, heading to one of the nation's most prestigious military academies.
'To be blessed enough to be one of the few that got into the academy has been a huge accomplishment,' Bentham said.
Bentham exemplifies what it means to be a high achiever. A dedicated three-sport athlete in football, wrestling, and lacrosse, he also leads as Senior Class President and stays actively involved in Key Club, National Honor Society, and Model United Nations.
Now, he's bringing his talent, discipline, and leadership to the next level.
'Ever since a young age, I knew I wanted to go serve in the military, and so, I've always been fond of the academies,' Bentham said. 'I got accepted into the Navy Academy, but I have a long lineage of service in the army in my family, and so knowing that I went with West Point.'
Situated in New York, West Point is the nation's oldest and one of its most selective military academies. Admission requires exceptional academic and physical qualifications, along with a nomination from a member of Congress or another military-affiliated source.
'You have to get a congressional nomination either from a representative of the House or a senator. You have to do physical tests,' Bentham said. 'You have to have good grades and be in a lot of extracurriculars to achieve something like this.'
Bentham started the application process over a year ago and ultimately secured four nominations, including ones from Congressman Steven Horsford and Senator Catherine Cortez Masto.
'We are so very proud of him. Our family is deeply patriotic and deeply American, and so to have this happen is just sincerely a dream come true,' said Jackson's mother, Shannon Bentham.
Jackson's mother, Shannon Bentham, said this milestone has been a long time coming.
'Even as early as second grade, he would hold up his little sign that says 'I want to be' and it began as a military person, and then over time, it eventually turned into West Point cadet,' Bentham said. 'I have this long line of photos of him documenting this kid's goal early on, so it's been quite impressive to watch him move through that goal and ultimately achieve it.'
The official appointment arrived in January. On June 30, Jackson will head to New York to begin basic training, kicking off an intensive 8-week boot camp that will mark his official entry as a West Point cadet.
'It really is a great way to commission you into the Army as an officer and it's very prestigious,' Bentham said. 'I plan to major in international affairs. I've always been fond of studying the global marketplace and global policy.'
Following graduation, he plans to serve eight years, five on active duty, with the remaining three in either active duty or the reserves.
For Jackson and his family, this accomplishment isn't just personal – it's patriotic.
'We are so very proud of him,' his mother said. 'Our family is deeply patriotic and deeply American, and to have this happen is just sincerely a dream come true.'
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