Noah Alexander will begin his senior year at the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., this fall.
It seems like only yesterday he was a standout running back for the Eufaula Ironheads, where his outstanding play and superior academic accomplishments garnered him scholarship offers from several top universities around the country.
He chose West Point, putting his Ironhead days behind and becoming a Black Knight.
“I wanted to do something where I was part of a team, where I can influence other people. Becoming an army officer, that is what you do,” he said.
Although he entered the academy on a football scholarship, after a year he opted to devote his time to his studies.
He’s majoring in Systems Engineering, with his goal of beginning his own engineering firm after serving his five years of active duty in the military beginning when he graduates next year.
“I’m focusing really hard on my studies,” Noah said during a recent telephone interview.
But it isn’t all hard work.
He had just returned from a trip to Cozumel, Mexico, a resort noted for diving and snorkeling and relaxation.
He is looking forward to a trip to Japan.
He sometimes goes to New York City, a short, 60-mile trip from West Point to the Big Apple.
If he seems to have a wanderlust, it may be due to retired Eufaula history teacher Roger Thompson, noted for guiding tours to historic sites in the U.S. and Europe.
Thompson remembers one of his outstanding students well.
“I taught Noah Honors United States History for two years. He always displayed a serious approach to and genuine interest in history, especially military history. When he was awarded a scholarship to one of the nation’s premier Military Academies, West Point, it was no surprise to me, but it was not an accident. It was through hard work and dedication.
“Noah is yet another example of EHS students excelling at the highest level of Academia because of the foresight he had as early as his sophomore year in high school. While he excelled in athletics, he was equally dedicated in the classroom, and both have paid off for him. As I say, his success is no accident or ‘good luck,’” Thompson said.
Noah comes from a small town with two stoplights.
But he has adapted well to an area that is one of the most populated in the United States, a place where almost every culture is represented.
“Growing up, I was motivated to seek new horizons,” he said. “I was inspired to be something big.” Noah exudes confidence. He is outgoing and has made a lot of friends among the students and instructors.
Still, he enjoys visiting family and friends in Eufaula, making the trip at least twice a year, at Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Attending West Point is a bit different from attending OU.
Mornings begin at about 6 a.m. with cleaning uniforms and other routine duties.
The day begins with courses at about 7:30 a.m., followed by fundamentals in surviving.
The day ends at 5:30 p.m., when cadets study, participate in sports, socialize and take part in other activities. One of his activities is membership in the American Society of Engineers.
His hometown paper, the Eufaula Indian Journal, has a record of Noah’s progress through the years.
He frequently made the superintendent’s or principal’s honor roll.
The paper has pictures of him in the Cub Scouts and in the Pride of Eufaula Band, where he played Saxophone.
In 2015, when he was in the 6th grade, he was in the National Junior Honor Society.
He was frequently seen in the sports pages during his high school years, often making Impact Player of the Week and once Player of the Year.
When he was in the second grade, he participated in the IJ’s annual Thanksgiving column in which young students explain how to cook.
The recipes are often hilarious.
Noah’s was practical: you cook it 350 degrees then you stuff it with stuffing and then you eat it.
