Cadet 2nd Lt. Jason Ludlow, Civil Air Patrol
A career in the military was always the goal for Civil Air Patrol Cadet 2nd Lt. Jason Ludlow. The Lake George High School senior spent years keeping his eye on the prize — a hoped-for appointment to one of America’s military academies. His discipline and hard work finally paid off in January when he was accepted to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
"West Point has been a goal for me for a very long time, in academic, leadership, and physical facets. I am extremely grateful to have the ability to hold close the leadership knowledge and practice I have gained from CAP and use those as a foundation for the academic and leadership experiences I look forward to gaining at West Point.”
CAP’s core cadet and aerospace education programs are highly effective, providing a variety of innovative youth development initiatives and award-winning STEM curricula and inspiring thousands of youth nationwide to attend U.S. military academies. In fact, CAP cadets constitute about 10% of each Air Force Academy class.
His Example of Community Service
A deputy cadet commander of CAP’s Capt. Luke C. Wullenwaber Composite Squadron based in Ballston Lake, Ludlow honed his leadership skills at the squadron and put them to use in his academic career serving as the current class treasurer, captain of both the varsity cross country and Nordic ski teams.
Ludlow is academically rated in the top 10% of his class and is also enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Program at Queensbury High School.
His community service record is commendable as well, as he has served as a junior member of Warrensberg Emergency Medical Services, having received his EMT-B certification in 2025. He also served as a lifeguard at Lake George Village’s Million Dollar Beach.
Nominated by a U.S. Senator
Along with strong academic, athletic, and leadership qualities, a student must be nominated by a member of Congress to attend a military academy. Ludlow received his nomination from U.S. Sen. Kristin Gillibrand, D-N.Y., after a long interview process.
Ludlow plans to major in chemical engineering while at West Point.
Looking Ahead?
CAP is open to youth and parents nationwide who are seeking pathways to the U.S. Military Academy, the Air Force Academy, or others. If you're between the ages of 12-20, the formula for getting there is clear: maintain strong academics through CAP’s youth scholarship opportunities, pursue leadership roles, and even earn aviation credentials.
With more than 1,400 squadrons nationwide and a cadet corps of about 34,000, there’s an opportunity near you. Join CAP today.
