Noah Peña, a junior at Heritage High School in Brentwood, had a lofty goal: to attend the Summer Leaders Seminar (SLS) at the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. this summer – a physically demanding program. So he wrote to the Delta Valley Athletic Club (DVAC) in Brentwood and asked the club to sponsor him for six months in his preparation for West Point.

DVAC matched Peña’s enthusiasm, providing him full use of its facility and the assistance of personal trainers Scott and Mike Westerhof.

Noah received the good news that he was selected to be among the 1,000 attendees (chosen from more than 4,000 high school juniors nationwide) at SLS. Attendees live in the cadet barracks, eat in the cadet mess and participate in academic, leadership, athletic and military workshops. The one-week seminar helps the students with their college-selection process and emphasizes the importance of leadership and sound decision-making in their education, careers and lives. All SLS attendees participate in virtual-reality war simulation as well as military and physical-fitness training.

Peña was also chosen as one of two participants selected from Heritage High School to attend the one-week American Legions Boy’s State.

Following graduation from Heritage, Peña plans to attend the USMA, West Point in pursuit of a career as an officer in the U.S. Army. In addition to his academic endeavors, he plans to excel in cross country plus track and field.

Peña wants to publicly thank all his teachers, coaches, family, friends and especially the Delta Valley Athletic Club for all their encouragement and support.