Fourteen area students are one step closer to fulfilling their dream of attending a U.S. Service Academy and honorably entering the military.
Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) recently named 14 students from the Fourth District who have been nominated to attend a U.S. Service Academy at ART Station in Stone Mountain. Academies include Military Academy (West Point), Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Coast Guard Academy and Merchant Marine Academy.
Seven students have already received appointments to attend a Service Academy for 2014. Rep. Johnson has awarded more than $13 million in Service Academy scholarships since 2007.
“The nomination process is not easy,” Rep. Johnson said. “It’s a long, difficult road, and I congratulate all our nominees on making it thus far. All of our outstanding nominees possess the kind of leadership skills necessary to be successful in school, business and in life. Graduating from a Service Academy ensures a good career after graduation and opens doors for the rest of their lives.”
Students must submit an application and provide letters of recommendation, academic transcripts and standardized test results, according to Rep. Johnson’s website.
Members of Congress may nominate up to 10 candidates per opening. Academies usually make appointments by March 31 of each year. Graduates of a Service Academy receive a bachelor of science, are commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant and serve in the military for at least five years.
Students who have received appointments, as of May 13, are: Brendan Brown, Naval Academy, Newton High School; Xavier Hightower, Naval Academy, Chamblee High School; Darien Johnson, Air Force Academy, Stephenson High School; Benjamin O’Donnell, Merchant Marine Academy, Creekview High School; Jack O’Donnell, Merchant Marine Academy, Creekview High School; Jonathan Stoves, Naval Academy, Parkview High School; Shaquille Vereen, Air Force Academy, Parkview High School.
Students who have been nominated are: Laeticia Bergeaud, Merchant Marine Academy, Heritage High School; Joshua Chatfield, Military Academy, Saint Pius X High School; Gerald Coleman, Merchant Marine Academy, Redan High School; Hein Pang, Air Force Academy, Druid Hills High School; Jhane Price, Air Force Academy, DeKalb School for the Arts; William Renner, Merchant Marine Academy, Union Grove High School; William Zimmerman, Naval Academy, Parkview High School.
For more information about the nomination process, contact Rep. Johnson at (770) 987-2291 or hankjohnson.house.gov/serving-you/military-academy-nominations.
