Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced 27 high school students who received her official nomination for admission into the nation’s military academies: Air Force (USAFA), Navy (USNA), Army (USMA) and Merchant Marine (USMMA).

“I am proud to have so many students in Florida’s 14th Congressional district who are interested in serving America,” U.S. Rep. Castor said.  “These impressive students are tomorrow’s leaders and, by applying to a U.S. military academy, they are demonstrating their commitment to working hard for an excellent education and serving our country.”

Receiving a nomination to our nation’s military academies is a vital step towards being appointed and attending the academies.  Nominations are earned based upon each student’s interview with U.S. Rep. Castor’s Nomination Committee, their individual academic record, extracurricular activities and leadership qualities.  Because of the stringent application requirements, most students begin preparing for their application as early as their first years of high school.

All U.S. military academies, except the Coast Guard Academy, based upon U.S. law, require a nomination from their Congressional Representative, Senator or the Vice President of the United States as part of the application process.  Parents and students interested in the nomination process will find more information at www.castor.house.gov.

“I am appreciative of the time and effort of the Nomination Committee – members thoroughly reviewed each nomination application and met with students individually,” U.S. Rep. Castor continue.  “Every year, I am impressed with the high caliber of students who wish to attend a military academy and this year was no exception!”

U.S. Rep. Castor will announce official appointments at a later date after being notified by the academies.  Today’s announcement completes U.S. Rep. Castor’s 2018 competitive nomination process and nominated students who receive an appointment from a U.S. military academy will attend beginning in the 2019-2020 school year.

U.S. Rep. Castor granted her nomination to the following students for one or more of the U.S. military academies:

Ryan Hatoum, Berkley Preparatory  School – USNA

Abigail Walters, Berkley Preparatory School – USAFA, USNA

Charles Owen, Carrollwood Day – USNA

Malakie Milne, Greenbrier Evans, GA – USMMA              

Brinsley Hess, Hillsborough HS – USNA

Ethan Pham, Hillsborough HS – USNA

Armando Flores IV, Jesuit HS – USMA

Jaden Pask, Jesuit HS – USMA

Sarah Yo, King HS – USAFA, USNA

Issac Chang, Middleton HS – USNA

Joseph Lubinski, Middleton HS – USNA

Thomas Wartenberg, Middleton HS – USNA

Tyler Whittlesley, Middleton HS – USNA

Elizabeth Barber, Plant HS – USMMA, USNA

Eva Damon, Plant HS – USAFA, USMA

Jordan Hacker, Plant HS – USMA

Alyssa Nagle, Plant HS – USNA

Conner Nelson, Plant HS – USNA

William Rickles, Plant HS – USMA, USNA

Everett Smalley, Plant HS – USAFA

Carmen Botezan, Robinson HS – USAFA, USNA

Daniel DeYoung, Robinson HS – USAFA, USNA

Jonathan Joyner, Robinson HS – USAFA, USNA

Kai Pedersen, Robinson HS – USNA

Andrea Torres, Sickles HS – USAFA

Josef Stooks, Steinbrenner HS – USMA

Christian Thompson, Wharton HS – USNA 

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