MADISON – Nicholas T. Beavers graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point on May 27.

“Going to West Point was the best decision I’ve ever made. It has given me various opportunities from jumping out of airplanes to traveling as an ambassador,” Beavers said.

Beavers experienced doubt but had a tremendous support system. “They had my back; I wouldn’t dare let them down. I’ll tell anyone trust your struggle … you’ll find out who you truly are and capable of. This discovery is where you’ll grow the most,” he said.

He graduated from Bob Jones High School in 2012 and first applied to West Point early as a senior. “I was reluctant so I applied late,” Beavers said. The Madkins family, with his friend Darian and parents Michael (a 1994 West Point graduate) and Tammie, encouraged Beavers to apply.

In 2014, he enrolled at West Point and had to adjust to cadet lifestyle without a military background or JROTC experience. “It was a huge learning curve. I felt like I was drinking water from a fire hose,” Beavers said.

Ironically, the major problems were minor annoyances – sleep, clothing/uniforms, early mornings. “The physical aspect came easier. I’ve always been somewhat athletic and developed resilience from playing physically demanding sports (track and football),” he said.

Beavers earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering psychology with a focus in civil engineering.

He moved from Pell City to Madison in 2001 when his mother received a new job with HealthSouth. Living here gave him “exposure to bigger and better things.”

“My mother is Detricia Beavers Pride. My father is Wendell Gover,” Nicholas said. “I have seven siblings — Kevin, Andrea, Patrice, Thaddeus, Diamon, Reighan, Bridgette. Reighan goes to University of Alabama at Birmingham. Bridgette will attend Troy University.”

Now an Officer in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Nicholas works at West Point as a Junior Tactical Officer. He will report to Fort Leonardwood, Mo. for Basic Officer Leaders Course for Engineers and enter either Ranger school in Benning or Sapper School at Leonardwood.

His first duty station will be Fort Hood, Texas with 36th EN Brigade.

Nicholas will miss his West Point friends. “We created special bonds that will last a lifetime. I won’t miss mess hall food or plebes (freshman) calling minutes.”

He was on the track team, Habitat for Humanity crew, president of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and event Coordinator for Cultural Affairs Seminar. Nicholas coordinated West Point’s first dance marathon.

“I’ll put my best foot forward in the Army, hoping to obtain my professional engineering license,” he said.

His hobbies are travelling, singing, dancing, cooking and outdoor adventures like hiking, camping and biking. “I’m not married but, if the right girl comes along, I will be,” Nicholas said.