CL teen accepted to U.S. Military Academy

Canyon Lake teen Cooper Smith received the news last week that he has been accepted to the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Cooper will graduate from Temescal Canyon High School in June and start attending the academy on July 2. He plans to major in International Relations.

Seventeen-year-old Cooper is an exceptional student with a 4.2 GPA. He is involved in several school clubs, including the Photography/Videography Club, Interact Club and HOSA.

He also serves on the executive board of the Health and Medical Careers Academy, a program designed for students who have an interest in a career in the medical field after high school.

Cooper has been a member of the varsity water polo team and the varsity swim team for the past four years. He has served as the team captain on both teams for the past two years. He holds school records in the 200 Free Relay and 400 Free Relay.

In March, Cooper competed in and won Temescal Canyon High School’s “Mr. Titan” contest.

Earlier this year, Cooper was one of two teens chosen as Canyon Lake’s Youth of the Year. He was honored at the Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce’s annual Gala in February.

We’re so proud of him,” said his mother Mindy Smith. “He’s worked really hard for a long time so it’s nice to see that it’s paid off for him.”