(U.S. Senate) - Senator Jon Tester announced today that the prestigious U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y. has accepted four Montana high school students into the Class of 2020.

Tester last fall nominated Keller Balsam of Helena High School, Macey Newberry of Missoula Big Sky High School, Allie Phillips of Great Falls Central Catholic High School, and Michael Sewell of Frenchtown High School.

Tester, Montana's only member of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, personally called each student to congratulate them on their acceptance.

"Keller, Macey, Allie, and Michael are the some of the best and brightest in Montana. By serving in the military, these brave young men and women have chosen to defend freedom and sacrifice for something greater than themselves," said Tester. "Rest assured, the future of the Army is in good hands with these inspiring students. On behalf of all Montanans, we are grateful for their willingness to serve."

Keller Balsam is active in numerous programs at Helena High School, including National Honor Society, Boys State and currently is the President of Mentoring Teens Against Drugs, a program mentoring at risk youth. Balsam is also a varsity cross country and Track and Field Athlete.

Macey Newberry is active in National Honors Society and is a varsity softball and volleyball player at Big Sky High School. In 2015, after leading Big Sky Eagles Softball team to the state championship, she was awarded All-State Pitcher, Academic All-State Honors and was named Most Valuable Player. Newberry has expressed interest in pursuing medicine during her military service.

Allie Phillips has served as class president of Great Falls Central Catholic High School for four years and as Key Club President for three years. Phillips has received academic All-State Honors six times and has been named the Captain of the Volleyball, Basketball, and cheerleading teams. Phillips comes from a family with a previous history of military service, and she hopes to honor the tradition by becoming a Judge Advocate General.

Michael Sewell is involved in the French Town High School Student Council, Key Club and National Honors Society.
Sewell has participated in basketball, football, cross country and track and has been named Northwest A All-Conference Honors for Track and Field and Cross Country.
Sewell is planning to study engineering while at the U.S. Military Academy.