A new chapter of triumphs were added as distinguished guests, staff and faculty gathered at Eisenhower Hall Theatre May 20 to celebrate members of the graduating Class of 2021 during the Awards Convocation and Superintendent’s Awards for Excellence, Achievement and Distinguished Cadet Awards Ceremony for their notable accomplishments during their four-year tenure at the U.S. Military Academy.
The awards highlighted the excellence performed by cadets from every aspect of their developmental experience. Whether through academics, athletics, military training or learning to lead through character, the awarded cadets displayed attributes throughout their four-year journey that garnered recognition during this momentous event.
Traditionally, the stage would be filled with generous donors from West Point’s graduated alumni who would present these awards to the cadets. However, Superintendent Lt. Gen. Darryl A. Williams, along with the official party, presented the awards on their behalf due to COVID-19 restrictions.
For decades, distinguished award donors have supported this awards program to continue the tradition of venerating the cadet’s commitment to excellence.
“We are all extremely grateful to the (distinguished donors) for your generosity which has had a tremendous impact on this academy and the U.S. Army,” Williams said. “Even though you are not here physically, we are honored to have you here with us virtually and we know you’re here with us in spirit.”
Additionally, Williams underscored the rigorous 47 months the cadets went through leading up to graduation. During their four years and amidst a pandemic, the cadets were educated and trained on West Point’s values of ‘Duty, Honor, Country’ and the importance of what it means to cultivate Soldiers in the U.S. Army as leaders of character.
“The cadet’s experience will come to an end in less than 48 hours from now as they graduate and assume the mantle of leadership in the U.S. Army as new commissioned officers where they will build cohesive teams that will fight and win in the crucible of ground combat,” Williams said. “These cadets will be expected to live honorably and lead honorably and demonstrate excellence in all they do.”
Throughout the ceremony, 241 out of 996 cadets earned awards with 58 receiving Distinguished Donor awards for their accomplishments in the classroom, in the military program and on the playing fields of friendly strife.
This year, Class of 2021 Cadet Justin Gittemeier earned multiple silver trays, among other awards, including one for the cadet with the highest class standing. Gittemeier also earned the Brig. Gen. Gerald A. Counts Memorial award for the highest rating in physics.
Class of 2021 Cadet Reilly McGinnis received recognition as a double winner of the night, winning the Olmstead Foundation Award and the Pershing Sword Award for the second highest overall class standing.
“This ceremony reflects all the hard work and effort we cadets have performed during our four years at the academy,” McGinnis said. “My journey here taught me so many life lessons. It taught me the importance and value of people and what it truly means to be a leader. From my experience, the most vital thing a cadet can take away from West Point is the value of teamwork and lifelong friendships. My friends and family at the academy led me to this moment.”
Following this, the remaining awardees received the Superintendent’s Award for Excellence and Achievement, and the Distinguished Cadets award.
The Superintendent’s Award for Excellence is given to cadets who perform at the highest level in the realm of military knowledge, academics and physical ability. It is awarded annually based on the cadet award score, which is a combination of the three-program scores with equal emphasis applied to each category. There are two levels of recognition: excellence and achievement.
The top 5% of each class earns the award of excellence, which is a gold star encircled by a wreath. The Superintendent’s Award for Achievement is awarded annually to the top 15% of each class. The award is a gold wreath. The Distinguish Cadet Award reflects the achievement of term quality point average of 3.67 or higher for the past year, or cumulatively, for the past four years. The award is a gold star. “It’s just awesome to see all of our hard efforts pay off in the end. We spent four years rising to this moment and now we’re that much closer to Graduation Day,” Class of 2021 Cadet Tully Boylan said after receiving the Distinguished Cadet Award.
The event culminated with cadets embracing and celebrating each other’s accomplishments as applause echoed throughout the auditorium.
“Class of 2021 cadets you have truly led the way during your time here and inspired those who will follow in your footsteps. However, as you leave here do not rest on your laurels,” Williams said. “Remember that excellence, like learning, is not an end state but a continual pursuit and to paraphrase the great coach, (Michael Krzyzewski), ‘when we pursue excellence, success just naturally follows.’ Again, congratulations to our awardees. Go Army, Beat Navy!”