U.S. Representative Dale Strong, R-Alabama, announced Wednesday that 21 students from Alabama’s 5th Congressional District have been appointed to U.S. service academies and their preparatory schools.
Each student was nominated by Strong after meeting academic, leadership and character standards.
“It is my honor to nominate students across the Tennessee Valley to attend our nation’s prestigious service academies,” Strong said. “I am confident that these young men and women will represent North Alabama well and serve our nation with distinction. The 5th District never fails to produce skilled, patriotic student leaders, and this year’s class is no exception.”
The students who received appointments are:
U.S. Military Academy
- Mark Andrzejewski, St. John Paul Catholic High School
- Stephen Case, Excalibur Christian School
- Alexander Cothren, Huntsville High School
- William Crocker, Randolph High School
- Judd Lunsford, Marion Military Institute/Randolph High School
- Jacob Plitsch, Lindsey Lane Christian Academy
- Richard Raleigh, Huntsville High School
U.S. Naval Academy
- Matthew Kimmett, Decatur High School
- Maria Sands-Pingot, St. John Paul Catholic High School
- Frank Vegerita, Huntsville High School
U.S. Naval Academy Prep School
- Harrison Lockett, Bob Jones High School
U.S. Naval Academy Foundation Scholarship
- Matthew Matkin, Brewer High School
U.S. Air Force Academy
- Kristianna Berger, Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering
- Katherine Boyer, Sparkman High School
- Eleanor Dykema, Georgia Military College
- Antonio Little, U.S. Air Force Academy Prep School/James Clemens High School
- Isabelle Park, Bob Jones High School
- Caleb Shultz, Huntsville High School
- George Youngblood, Decatur High School
U.S. Air Force Academy Prep School
- Jacob Parks, Bob Jones High School
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
- Brennan Bowling, St. John Paul Catholic School
Each year, Strong hosts an Academy Day where constituents can meet with recruiters from military organizations, collegiate ROTC and admissions representatives from each service academy.
This year’s Academy Day is scheduled for Saturday, August 22, from 9 a.m. to noon at Auburn University’s Research and Innovation Campus in Huntsville.
“Attendees will learn about the many pathways to serve their country while receiving a world-class education,” according to a Facebook post detailing the event. “Students will also have the opportunity to learn about service academy admissions requirements, eligibility criteria, and the congressional nomination process.”
Strong’s office encouraged those interested in learning more about the nomination and appointment processes to visit his official website.
