IRVING, TX – Congressman Kenny Marchant (TX-24) announced today that thirty-two students nominated by Marchant have received an appointment to a U.S. Service Academy. 

“These young men and women have proven to be exceptional leaders in their schools and communities, and I am confident they will be future leaders of our country,” said Marchant.  “An appointment to a U.S. Service Academy is not only an honor for the students, but also for the families, friends, and educators who supported them.” 

Each year, Members of Congress nominate senior high school students they represent for admission to the U.S. Air Force, Merchant Marine, Military and Naval academies.  The rigorous evaluation process includes a combination of academic tests, athletics participation, extra-curricular and charity involvement, letters of recommendations, a board interview, and a formal nomination by either a Member of Congress of the Vice-President. 

The following students nominated by Marchant received an appointment:

Air Force: Joshua Antinone (Euless); Patrick Conner (Coppell); Jessica Crilley (Grapevine); Nick Engberg (Grand Prairie); Zachary Jackson (Colleyville); Vincent Jaramillo (Irving); Brandon Leet (Colleyville); Alex Sakovich (Colleyville); Matt Underwood (Colleyville); Cameron Vickroy (Coppell); Haley Wilson (Grapevine); Justin Wolff (Carrollton); and Kramer Young (Southlake). 

Merchant Marine: Dillon Clark (Coppell); James Flowers (Colleyville); and Nathan Free (Arlington). 

Naval Academy: Jordan Chmielewski (Grand Prairie); Alicia Crawford (Carrollton); Michael Delong (Coppell); Jonathan Gazaille (Grand Prairie); Ryan Lamb (Dallas); Chris Miller (Southlake); Katie Otano (Colleyville); Michael Price (Southlake); and Natalie Schimelpfenig (Carrollton). 

West Point: Mitchell Hanson (Coppell); Travis Hinds (Coppell); Nicholas Kagen (Irving); Charles McElrath (Grapevine); Lowell Stanford (Southlake); Noella Taylor (Carrollton); and Ahmed Toure (Southlake). 

On average, the monetary value of each education received at a U.S. Service Academy values at approximately $250,000 in return for a commitment to serve in the active-duty military after graduation. 

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June 2, 2009