A 17-year-old from the Hudson Valley saw his dream of attending West Point become a reality this week after a surprise announcement from President Trump during an address to Congress, officials said.

Jason Hartley attended the president's speech in Washington, D.C., where Trump revealed Hartley's acceptance into the prestigious military academy.

Hartley said the journey began with a call from the White House last week inviting him to the event.

"It was still crazy that the president actually said my name, let alone, admit me into West Point," Hartley said.

Hartley's father, an Army veteran who later served as a sheriff's deputy in California, passed away in 2018, fueling the teen's determination to join the Army.