Beriault and Greathouse head to West Point
Two Scecina students, Mason Beriault and Marcus Greathouse, who met at Scecina playing football together, are heading off to West Point this summer.
Mason Beriault, the class of 2023 valedictorian, played football and basketball. Mason is the student body president for the 2022-23 school year and a member of the National Honor Society. Mason was nominated to go to West Point Academy.
“I received a letter from West Point after I took my PSAT, and when I did some research, I fell in love with the tradition and standards of the school,” said Mason. “I knew I wanted to apply right away, and then every day going forward, I wanted to be there more and more.”
Marcus Greathouse played football and ran varsity track. Marcus completed his basic training during the summer of 2022. His goal was to attend West Point Academy upon graduation from Scecina. Marcus was accepted to attend the United States Military Academy Preparatory School (USMAPS). This school is an avenue of opportunity for a carefully selected group of soldiers by providing them with the academic, leadership, and physical skills to prepare them for success as cadets at the United States Military Academy.
“It is a great feeling to be able to accomplish my goal of getting into West Point Prep. Going to West Point will be a wonderful experience, and I can’t wait to attend,” shared Marcus.
Prior to getting accepted, Mason and Marcus had one common goal in mind: to serve in the United States Military. What they never thought would happen was for both to attend West Point.
Mason will head off to R-Day, or Reception Day on June 26. R-Day is the day cadet candidates report to West Point and prepare for basic training.
Marcus completed his basic training during the summer before his senior year; he’s well ahead of most high school students who join the military. The split training program allows high school students to enlist while they are juniors.
Marcus Greathouse at basic training graduation Sept. 1, 2022.
“The advice I have for Mason is to have patience. As long as you stay active before you enter boot camp, it will not be physically hard. It is all about being strong mentally because they will push you to the limit,” shared Marcus.
Both boys plan to play football at West Point. With a bit of persistence and follow-up, Mason was accepted to join the football team. Marcus intends to join Mason and will try out for the team this summer.
2022 Scecina football team.
Another Scecina connection and alumnus spent time at West Point Academy. Dan Bruno, a 1977 graduate of Scecina. Dan served a full career in the U.S. Army, retiring as a colonel and acting as the Garrison Commander at West Point. While leading daily operations, he collaborated with congressional, community, military, and academic leaders and provided community support programs and facilities, helping achieve No. 1 in the Forbes ranking of colleges in 2009.
We asked Dan to share his wisdom and advice with Mason and Marcus, and here’s what he had to say, “Never give up on yourself. If you were accepted into West Point, you belong there.”
Dan added, “One of the most important characteristics of a good leader is humility. You will need a lot of it in your first year.”
The Scecina Community is very honored and proud to know these two young men and are excited to see what’s next as these two follow in the footsteps of Father Thomas Scecina.
