Private Project

A New Cadet's Journey to West Point: A Documentary

Out of 13,000 applicants, only 12% of young Americans are selected each year to become cadets at one of the most prestigious and rigorous post-secondary institutions in the world: the United States Military Academy at West Point. Despite the low acceptance rate, applying to West Point is not a new cadet’s greatest challenge before the academic year begins. The 8-week summer bootcamp, commonly referred to as “Beast,” is known for breaking down new cadets and pushing them to their limits both physically and mentally. Follow New Cadet Lorelai Megery and her family as they prepare for Beast and the beginning of a 47-month adventure at West Point.

  • Evelyn Megery
    Director
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Feature, Student
  • Runtime:
    59 minutes 9 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    November 30, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    0 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Ohio Northern University
Director Biography - Evelyn Megery

Evelyn Megery is a multimedia and communications student at Ohio Northern University who enjoys telling stories through digital and print mediums. She is an award-winning photographer and journalist who strives to reach a variety of audiences with her work.

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Director Statement

Since she was little, my younger sister dreamed of joining the Army as a cadet in the United States Military Academy at West Point. Years of hard work and dedication paid off, and Lorelai achieved her goal of becoming a cadet. Throughout the documentary, I follow Lorelai and my family as they navigate the complex process of preparing for the eight-week basic training that will take place during the summer.

Creating this documentary has not only fueled my passion for cinematography, but also brought me closer to my sister. Being by Lorelai’s side for months as she trained and prepared for the academy deepened my respect for those who serve in the military and are determined to become our country’s next generation of leaders.

As a first-time filmmaker, I am excited to share this project with an audience that is curious of the West Point experience and may be preparing for the academy themselves. It is my hope that Lorelai’s story will inspire others to pursue their dreams.