LAKE HUNTINGTON, NY – Michael Sean Mullally, a gold medal track star senior at Sullivan West High School, is getting ready to switch from being a “Bulldog” to a “Mule”, and is expected to kick up his heels at West Point.

On Monday, March 19, surrounded by classmates and family, he signed on the dotted line of a letter of intent to enroll in the United States Army as a cadet in West Point’s Class of 2022.

“On behalf of the President and the Secretary of the Army, I send you congratulations on your appointment to the United States Military Academy”, said West Point superintendent Lt. General Robert L. Caslen, in the letter addressed to Mullally.

Continuing, General Caslen wrote, “Your appointment…is an outstanding accomplishment…you have demonstrated exceptional potential for future service to the United States Army and the nation.”

“West Point requires cadets with determination, integrity, self-discipline, strength of character, endurance and a willingness to work hard. Go Army”, added the superintendent.

Along with changing nicknames, the soon-to-be plebe is poised to change his high school colors from Sullivan West’s Carolina blue, silver and black to the USMA’s famous black, gold and grey, under their famous motto “Duty, Honor, Country”.

The Sullivan West senior comes from a background of service to his nation, as his paternal grandfather saw action in WWII during the European Campaign.

When he passed in 1961, the disabled veteran left behind a wife to raise four boys and a daughter.

Mike Mullally is the proud father of the local 17-year old track star and future 2nd Lt., a rank he will be awarded upon graduation from West Point, a Division I school.

The elder Mullally’s brother attended Manlius Military Academy, his niece Cathleen and nephew Timothy went to New York Military Academy, and Tim continued on to serve in the U.S. Air Force.

During the terrorist attacks of 9-11-01, Michael’s uncle Timcontinued his service by volunteering at the World Trade Center, spending countless hours at the site of the fallen towers, as one of the legion of unsung heroes.

Michael’s father reacted to his son’s signing up with Uncle Sam as a West Point cadet.

“It’s pretty amazing. Michael has worked real hard the last four years to get to this point, doing track and academically…so we’re real proud of him…it’s a good fit for him, as he likes structure and discipline. He’s excited and I’m happy for him.”

Michael’s mother Joanne said that when her son graduates from the military academy, “He’ll have a future that’s full of opportunities…I think it’s a great opportunity to serve your country.”

As he prepares to enter the USMA, perhaps Mullally reflected upon a letter he received from West Point’s director of admissions, Colonel Deborah J. McDonald.

“…your accomplishments to date should be a source of special satisfaction to you and your family. Best of luck in becoming a West Point cadet.”

The list of former graduates from the United States Military, founded on March 16, 1802 by George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, is long and distinguished.

The short list includes: Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S. Grant, George S. Patton, Douglas MacArthur, Edgar Allan Poe, and Dwight D. Eisenhower, patriots who led the nation in war and peace.

Michael S. Mullally’s reaction to heading to West Point on July 3, a few days after he graduated from Sullivan West on June 23.

“I like the bigger picture…hopefully I’m going to be set for life. When you go to West Point, you make all kinds of connections,you meet a ton of people who are obviously going to be running the country…pretty spectacular people. I wanted to be part of it one day.”

As a high school track star, he drew a corollary between practicing for his chosen sports to the life of a cadet.

“I had practice every day even on Sundays…I’ll be ready for it”, said Mullally.