It started as an unexpected phone call, then an invite to Washington D.C. — then, an announcement on live national television that changed Whittier/La Mirada native Jason Hartley’s life forever.
During President Trump’s joint address to Congress on March 4, 17-year-old Hartley received news that he’d been accepted to the prestigious U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
“That was my honest reaction… I mainly felt relieved,” Hartley said of the look on his face as the cameras caught his surprise, sitting in the House gallery when Trump made the announcement. “I knew my phone was going to start blowing up.”
This summer, Hartley, a senior at St. Paul High School in Santa Fe Springs, will be following his dreams of attending West Point and serving in the U.S. Army.
“You will soon be joining the Corps of Cadets,” Trump said during the address, as the audience clapped. “You’re going to be on ‘the Long Gray Line,’” referring to West Point’s distinguished alumni.
The moment was surreal for Hartley, who immediately hugged his mom, Tanya. “She was emotional the entire time. It was a core memory.”
Hartley is a six-letter varsity athlete and honor roll student — boasting a 4.46 GPA — on both the St. Paul Swordsmens’ football and track-and-field teams.
Since childhood, Hartley always wanted to join the Army and follow in the footsteps of his late father, an Army veteran who also served as an L.A. County Sheriff’s deputy. He passed away in 2018 when Jason was 11.
“He led by example and loved his country very much,” the younger Hartley said. “Right after high school he enlisted. He always had an urge to serve his community. He put me and my sister above anyone else… he was tough, caring, committed. If he had a goal, he was going to do everything in his power to achieve that.”
Hartley is proud to be part of a long line of family members who served — including his father, grandfather in the Marines, and great-grandfather in the Army.
With excellent grades throughout middle and high school, Hartley knew he wanted to follow longtime dreams of going to college.
“I did research on military academies and was hooked. I wanted to do military and college at the same time, especially at West Point. By my freshman year, getting in was my #1 goal and biggest dream,” he said. “I wanted the 24/7 lived experience.”
The determined teen began the rigorous process of applying to West Point, focusing on academics, getting recommendations, and making sure he was in top physical shape. During football season, Hartley played both the offensive and defensive line, and threw the discus in track-and-field. He attended a leadership program where he met others applying to be West Point cadets, and was inspired as ever.
In between regular study sessions for AP classes and team practices, he loves to hang out in Uptown Whittier and play the guitar. He’s had lead roles in the school musical and has a history of volunteer work.
He is also part of St. Paul High’s Early College Network, a program through the Archdiocese of Los Angeles where select Catholic high school students take college-level coursework, allowing them opportunities for credit, scholarships, higher education and career pathways through the Archdiocese’s partnerships with Arizona State and Seton Hill universities.
Hartley said he’s been “a math kind of person” his whole life, and plans to pursue a major in aerospace engineering.
Upon getting the official invite to the White House, Hartley said he was amazed that President Trump heard his story of determination, and that he got into West Point “on my own merits,” on the field and in the classroom.
Though he didn’t get to meet the president, the teen was excited to be seated in the House gallery near Elon Musk and to see the entire Trump family.
St. Paul High principal Robert Miller was proud seeing Hartley wearing the St. Paul uniform tie and signature cross pin on TV, and during his White House visit.
“Jason exemplifies the St. Paul vision — well-rounded, talented, incredibly dedicated to service,” said Miller. “He is a bit shy, he is kind to everyone, and he leads by example.”
Upon returning home, the St. Paul community celebrated his achievements with a warm welcome announced across campus.
“His dedication and commitment serve as an inspiration to us all,” an Instagram post from the school read. “We stand together as St. Paul Swordsmen, applauding Jason for his acceptance into West Point, and for being honored at the Presidential Joint Address to Congress.”
Life is just as busy as ever for the 17-year-old juggling academics, extra-curriculars, getting a ton of new followers online, and trying to make it to graduation at the end of May.
Hartley departs for basic training at West Point on June 30.
“I know it’s going to be hard both physically and mentally. I know a lot of people get there thinking, what have I just gotten into? But I’m going to tell myself to go through it (and) finish, because it’s what I always wanted… nothing I can’t handle,” he said. “I know (my father) is watching down on me. If he were to say something, I know he’d be very proud I’m achieving my goals.”