The Rising Generation 'Outstanding and Exceptional'

THE RISING GENERATION

"OUTSTANDING AND EXCEPTIONAL"

for valor magazine

Each fall, US Congressional offices sort through an array of applications from young people looking to secure a nomination to a US Military Academy. An appointment to one of these schools offers up a prestigious, fully-funded education. Many students have been working towards this moment for years; others come later to the process. Each is given an opportunity in an interview to discuss their abilities and talents as they are evaluated. Most applicants have nearly perfect grades; high ACT scores, athletic ability and leadership qualities. n What distinguishes those who receive an appointment? It is the cadet that exhibits self-confidence, yet can handle criticism. It is the cadet that can make splitsecond decisions, yet is always thinking one step ahead. It is the cadet who will serve his or her comrades, yet enable them to build their own character. It is the cadet that fights to win, yet is team-focused. These are the young men and women who will defend our country with valor. n Many other outstanding and exceptional youth can be found throughout our communities exhibiting their willingness to lead, serve, give and excel in their endeavors. They need mentors and counselors, family and friends to reach their potential. In these trying times, give them something to reach for.

Rhonda Perkes is a staffer for Congressman Chris Stewart UT-2 and enjoys overseeing the Military Academy nominations process for his office.

Penelope LORENZANA

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR ACADEMY

Penelope Lorenzana is adventurous and voracious in learning new things. She'll embrace an area of interest and “take it on” until her curiosity is satisfied. With the encouragement and support of her parents, together they research and experiment as much as they can, often enrolling in a specific school or program to access expertise. When Penelope developed an interest in culinary arts, she enrolled at the Park City Culinary Institute and graduated at 11. She wanted to try starting a business so her dad mentored her through the Young Entrepreneur Academy (YEA) where she created a set of knives for young chefs, eventually finishing as second-runner up at nationals at 12. After doing a round of TV appearances on local cooking shows at 13, and the entertainment industry started calling, she chose to focus on “real life” and developed a nutritious noodle soup directed at humanitarian efforts. With aspirations of flying, she joined the Civil Air Patrol and rose to the rank of flight sergeant; but to get her pilot license she must wait until she's 16.

With a five-generation military family legacy backing her, Penelope is set on attending the Air Force Academy in her quest to be a jet fighter pilot. She’s begun fine-tuning her military mentality …

“We’ve always encouraged our kids to identify what they’re interested in and we’ll help them head in that direction,” said parents Ian and Heather. “Our end goal is to see our kids happy, successful and enjoy what they do.”

PENELOPE LORENZANA’S ADVICE: Always keep exploring, try your best and rely on your family. —BY MICHELLE BRIDGES FOR VALOR

Christopher MUNCEY

UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC PROGRAM

Originally from northern California, when Chris Muncey began making plans to attend college, he chose Utah State University because of family ties. His mother Nancy Parkinson grew up in Cache Valley and met his father Brandon while both were attending USU. He applied for and received a Legacy scholarship and followed in their footsteps.

Both his father and brother Benjamin went through USU’s ROTC program. He followed their lead and joined up to help pay for school. Muncey appreciates the opportunities to lead that ROTC provides. Oftentimes, his military instructors emphasize that there is no wrong decision because it is better to decide than make no decision at all since it promotes a better learning environment.

“It’s not to hard to meet the minimum fitness standards for the military,” Muncey said. “But if you want to succeed, and especially as an officer, you do more. You set the example.”

Muncey, a nutrition science major, with a minor in chemistry and military science, will graduate in 2021. Upon graduation, he’ll begin his four-year commitment of active duty in the US Army. He wants to be either an infantry or armor officer. After his military service, he has his eye on medical school.

Muncey said his advice to others who may be interested in the Military Science program, is to do your research and make sure of your commitment to serve. “Don’t be afraid of the military,” said Muncey, who maintains a 3.99 grade point average. “There is a lot more to it than guns and explosions.” You can prepare for a career in medicine, law, education, husbandry, engineering or communications.

“It is important for me to give back. I feel like I shouldn’t sit back when others are sacrificing so much,” Muncey says. “I’m here to defend the people of this nation and protect those who maybe can’t protect themselves. Someone has to do it, so why shouldn’t it be me?”

CHRIS MUNCEY'S ADVICE: Keep calm under pressure, be confident and lead by example.

—BY MICHELLE BRIDGES FOR VALOR

Bradie Lee JONES

AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY UTAH GIRLS STATE

During the summer of her junior year, Bradie Lee Jones spent a week at Girls State watching “how the whole political system worked”—in mock elections for city, county and state offices. She never had any intention of running for office but by week’s end, she was aiming for governorship.

She enjoyed campaigning, trying to get votes and doing a lot of speaking. She spoke about her family and their sacrifices when her dad’s military service took him away from home. She talked about having the right to vote and exercising those rights—stating how many women around the world who could not. Her message resonated; she was elected governor.

Jones came back the next summer to lead another group of 400 girls through the election process. She returns often to volunteer as a counselor. She says the power of Girls State is “taking those bright young minds and giving them the tool set that they need to make actual changes.” She adds as they become business leaders, educators, politicians or stay-at-home mothers, they can still create that change because they know how it works, they get it.

After graduating college with a degree in political science and journalism, Jones has worked in the agriculture industry as a news reporter, marketer, information officer with state Ag and as rodeo royalty. Her ranching family supports her efforts to be the political arena representing Summit County’s more conservative eastside.

Jones learned to look at issues, issue by issue and decide on her own where her mind is set on things. “It opened my mind to looking at issues in a different way,” she says. “It taught me how to be an equalist.” She sees herself running for Utah governor someday.

“Government isn’t overwhelming,” says Jones. “You can really affect change if you get involved, even at the smallest level by simply mailing in your ballot.”

BRADIE LEE JONES' ADVICE: Good, better, best. Never rest until your good is better and your better is best.

Kolton HAUSER

HONOR365 YOUTH SERVICE AWARD

Kolton Hauser says he’s always been fascinated with how things work, as a kid he’d take apart his toys and put them back together. He’s been “mechanizing” forever by helping his stepdad rebuild engines in the driveway and “it just blossomed.”

Hauser plans to follow his brother into the Utah Air National Guard, train to be a crew chief, travel the world and do service for his country. “I want to do my part,” he said. “I think it’s a role that should cross everybody’s mind at some point in their life.”

Hauser is in his senior year at Utah Military Academy and has gained many interests since he joined, like journalism, English and math. His fellow cadets voted for him to be captain of the marksmanship team. “They said I’d be a good fit,” he explains. “I thought I was in over my head but we ended up taking regionals so it turned out well. I learned so much.” He thinks the school is a well-rounded charter school and teaches real life lessons in leadership and service above self.

Hauser is one of those people who sees a need and fills it. In 2019 he volunteered for the Healing Fields Foundation’s remembrance of 9/11 and spent hundreds of hours planning, muscling, fixing and coordinating other volunteers. Nonprofit Honor365 was the recipient of the event’s fundraising. They saw Hauser as dependable, selfless, humble, and nominated him for their youth service award. Hauser sees himself as “just a regular guy” and questions why he was chosen for the recognition over so many others. Simply put, he was the first to show up and stayed till the very end.

Hauser volunteers for other worthy causes, helps his elderly neighbors and listens to veterans tell their stories. He says history is important and it should be pushed in school. “We should listen to people who have served in the military, they show a great amount of wisdom and leadership,” he says. “I think that will help drive this younger generation in the direction it needs to go.”

KOLTON HAUSER'S ADVICE: There’s a saying that “the old can remember and the young can learn.” Don’t forget history, remember it.

—BY MICHELLE BRIDGES FOR VALOR

Faith MAGALON

UTAH MILITARY ACADEMY, HILL FIELD CAMPUS

One of the really cool things about UMA is that we can do anything!” says Senior Faith Magalon (2021). She’s been involved in many clubs and sports teams—Spanish club, volleyball, archery, debate and drill. “We have a really, really phenomenal drill team. We’ve been state champions five times. COVID-19 kept us competing for a sixth title.” She’s completed internships at the State Capitol and at Hill Aerospace Museum.

Also unique to UMA are the seemingly endless leadership opportunities mainly because of the core Air Force JROTC program. Set up similar to military formations, cadets earn increasing ranks and responsibilities. “This year I’ll be wing commander and be responsible for every single student in school,” Magalon said. Staff class is her favorite—students in higher leadership get together and brainstorm ideas on how to improve the school and its overall energy. “It's a great way to hone our talents.”

When her parents enrolled herself and older brother, it was a mixed bag. What was a good fit for her brother, was “horrifying” for her. She struggled against the stereotypes of “reform school” and a built-up resentment of following her dad’s military career. However, when she actually got to UMA, met the people and saw their sincere desire to help students, she realized she was wrong. “I needed structure and empowerment of challenging myself,” said Magalon. “I had to learn to let go of all my angst. Afterward, she was able to shine.

Recently her Dad Ronald deployed to California for another fouryear assignment. But instead of the family making the move too, her parents decided to live in two places. Keeping Mom Liz in Utah to let their children finish their education. Magalon is deeply appreciative.

Being at UMA has inspired her to explore the possibility of making the military her future. She’s in the process of applying to the US Air Force Academy and for ROTC scholarships to other universities.

FAITH MAGALON'S ADVICE: Put yourself out there. If you're not putting 100% into everything you do, you're not going to get 100%

Jaden ANDERSON

AMERICAN LEGION NATIONAL EAGLE SCOUT

Starting as a Cub Scout at age 8, Jaden Anderson never thought he’d be one of the nation’s top Scouts earning the American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year (2019). His dad, who is deceased, served in the US Army and Utah National Guard making Anderson eligible to be part of the Sons of the American Legion Provo’s Dean Memdenhall Post 13, who sponsored him for the organization's top spot.

According to Anderson the application process was intense and long. It covers academics, scouting, community involvement, religious activities, career aspirations and recommendations.

Anderson does most things to “learn how things work,” for him it’s about the creative process. He quickly summarizes it as an approach of “how you get an idea, apply various situations and watch it morph and grow.” “Take marketing a product or how to build a water well in Africa. You problem solve to find the solution that fits the situation,” he says. “It can be entertaining.”

A 4.0-student in high school, Anderson leaned toward business, digital art and band. He plays trumpet and learned TAPS to sound at community events. In college he’s exploring engineering, economics and entrepreneurship, wanting to be his own boss one day.

Anderson did most of his scouting through his church’s affiliation. He amassed 138 merit badges, 23 Eagle Palms, religious emblems and numerous leadership awards. His Eagle Project (2014)—repairing bridges and restoring vegetation at Payson Lakes for the US Forest Service as benefitted approximately 15,000 visitors since completion.

He believes in being honest in all endeavors, valuing people and giving back. Locally he works with the Elks’ “Little Warrior Camp” and veterans. On overseas service missions, he brought soccer equipment to an orphanage in Guatemala, built an orphanage in Mexico, and built a school in Mozambique.

JADEN ANDERSON’S ADVICE: Live in the moment and be open to learning new things.

—BY MICHELLE BRIDGES FOR VALOR

Richard OTTLEY

WEST POINT MILITARY ACADEMY APPOINTMENT

Working on a local farm was Richard Ottley's first job. He learned determination, perseverance and work hard. “I learned I liked working with my hands and being able to see my progress,” he said. “I took those experiences and values, combined them into what I thought I wanted in a career and the military was the first thing that popped up.”

His parents were very surprised when he announced I wanted to go into the military but they were supportive. They started searching and helped Ottley with his own research into ROTC or military academy appointments. They introduced him to people who could advise him on all things military. Ottley had always gotten good grades, connected well with people and was basically fit from farm labor. But he knew if he was going to get a military academy appointment, he was going to have to step up his game.

He found UMA’s Camp Williams Campus in Lehi, applied and got in for his junior year where he started developing a military mindset. He focused on the big three things everybody talked about: academics, leadership and extracurriculars. He began building his resume by doing everything he could: playing almost every sport available, taking advanced academics, daily physical fitness training, tackling leadership roles, performing community service, and being a mindful friend—developing into the "whole-person" cadet.

Applying to the US Army's West Point Academy was the immediate go-to. The application was grueling, interviewing intimidating, and waiting excruciating. Ottley was sitting by himself in an empty classroom when the call came through from West Point. He yelled out, "Hoorah" and savored his excitement for a moment before calling his mom to share the news, and then he started calling everyone else.

He’s not worried about his “plebe” year. “I’m expecting challenges,” Ottley says. “But I’m prepped and ready to push myself, again.”

RICHARD OTTLELY’S ADVICE: In time, there will be a time. For him, it started as a way to learn patience, but expanded as a call for action.