MONROE, Ga. - Four students from Walton County received nominations to U.S. service academies, courtesy of U.S. Rep. Jody Hice.

Hice announced the names of 30 young men and women whom he nominated for appointment to the nation’s service academies, including the U.S. Air Force, Naval, Military and Merchant Marine academies. These prestigious institutions prepare young Americans to become commissioned officers in the United States armed forces.

Of those 30 students four were from Walton County, including one from Social Circle, two from Loganville and a fourth student who attends George Walton Academy in Monroe.

Ashley Clegg, of Social Circle High School; Austin Herndon and Morgan Raines, of Loganville High School; and Matthew McMain, of GWA, were all listed on the nomination list released Monday by Hice.

Hice said he was proud to support all the students seeking to further their service through military training.

“Attending one of our nation’s service academies is a high honor, reserved for those who exemplify the best attributes of character, scholarship, physical aptitude, leadership and motivation,” Hice said. “I commend all 30 candidates and am extremely proud to congratulate Jasmine Brown, Anna Caldwell, Jay Hamil, and Tucker Keadle, who are the first to secure appointments to these distinguished institutions.”

Students who attend a U.S. service academy commit to serving at least five years in their respective military branch upon graduation. Securing a nomination is a required step in the Academy application process. Ultimately, the academies make the final decision on who receives an appointment of admission.