If he did not receive and "Official Offer" to the academies. If he did ANY part of the application process, even the Pre-candidate portion, the MOST they could have given him at this time is an LOA. (Letter of Assurance). It ASSURES him, that if he completes his application; receives a nomination; and is 100% qualified..... then he WILL receive an appointment.
The Army is known for giving these out before even starting an application. The air force doesn't do this. You have to have started the application. I'm sure, that this local student, is simply stating they are being given offers. Chances are, it's totally verbal. Although, the army's LOA could be official. But I promise you one thing, this individual did NOT RECEIVE an appointment. That's not possible without a completed application, nomination, and 100% qualification.