Rep. Wild Announces 2020 U.S. Military Academy Appointees from PA-07

GREATER LEHIGH VALLEY – Today, U.S. Representative Susan Wild (PA-07) proudly announced that two students from Pennsylvania’s Seventh District have accepted appointments to attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point beginning this Summer. Nominated by Wild last year, both students underwent a competitive application process and have joined the academy’s Class of 2024.  

“It is a great privilege to nominate some of our community’s best and brightest young people to our nation’s oldest military service academy,” Wild said. “Their interest in serving our country and answering the call of duty is admirable, and their demonstrated leadership at such a young age is nothing short of impressive. What both of these young men have already been able to achieve is inspiring – and it is truly my honor to watch them begin the next phase of their journey at West Point this Fall.”

With roots dating back to the Revolutionary War, the United States Military Academy at West Point is our nation’s oldest service academy. Its mission is "to educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the Nation as an officer in the United States Army."

Wild’s Class of 2024 U.S. Military Academy appointees from Pennsylvania’s Seventh District include:

Kyle Lawrence, Emmaus, PA

Kyle is the son of Robert and Kathleen Lawrence, and the brother of Kaitlyn and Chad Lawrence. Throughout his high school career at Emmaus High School, he has been recognized for his leadership both in and out of the classroom. Finishing his senior year having served as captain of his varsity hockey team, a captain for the Warwick Wildcats hockey team, and vice president of the Weightlifting Club, Kyle has been a standout athlete who intends to carry his talents with him as he begins his career at the U.S. Military Academy and try out for the West Point Ice Hockey club team. A member of the National Honor Society, president of the Latin Club, and recipient of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Award, he is also a standout scholar. Previously participating as a buddy for the Special Olympics, Kyle has demonstrated continued leadership which made him well-suited for the West Point Preparatory Scholarship Program and the West Point Summer Leadership Experience, of which he is an alumnus. Kyle attended the prestigious Marion Military Institute in Alabama in preparation for the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he has now accepted an appointment.

Bailey O’Connor, Macungie, PA

Bailey is the son of Timothy and Tracie O’Connor, and the brother of Molly O’Conner. Throughout his high school career at Emmaus High School, Bailey excelled as a leader and athlete. A varsity lacrosse athlete recruited by West Point, he also served as two-time captain of the Emmaus Lacrosse Team and was a member of both the swim and football teams his freshman year. An avid swimmer, Bailey also served as a lifeguard at the Lehigh Country Club. His leadership abilities made him well-suited for the position of Student Council Vice President and for the No Place for Hate anti-Bullying Club at Emmaus High School, of which he was also a member. Bailey attended the prestigious Salisbury School in Connecticut in preparation for the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he has now accepted an appointment. 

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