WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) today hosted a congratulatory tea on Capitol Hill for students from the Fifth Congressional District (Charles, Calvert, St. Mary's and areas of Prince George's and Anne Arundel counties) that were offered appointments to a U.S. Service academy this year.
The following students from southern Maryland received appointments (those in attendance at the tea were not specified):
| Name | County | High School | Hometown | Academy |
| Bauder, Andrew | Calvert | Northern High School | Owings | Air Force Academy |
| Flynn, Timothy | Charles | Bishop McNamara High School | La Plata | West Point |
| Frey, Katherine | Charles | Westlake High School | Waldorf | Air Force Academy |
| Langford, Daniel | St. Mary's | St. Mary's Ryken High School | California | US Naval Academy |
| Langford, Daniel | St. Mary's | St. Mary's Ryken High School | California | West Point |
| Lydon, Drew | Charles | Riverdale Baptist School | White Plains | US Naval Academy |
| McAllister, Nicole | Charles | Thomas Stone High School | Waldorf | Air Force Academy |
| Merkel, Abbie | Prince Georges | Archbishop Spalding High School | Upper Marlboro | West Point |
| Moorman, Daniel | Calvert | Huntingtown High School | Huntingtown | US Naval Academy |
| Nichols, Alexandra | Calvert | Northern High School | Owings | US Naval Academy |
| Orzechowski, Matthew | Charles | La Plata High School | Hughesville | Merchant Marine Academy |
| Sanders, Matthew | St. Mary's | Leonardtown High School | California | US Naval Academy |
| Schuppel, Rebekah | Charles | Westlake High School | Waldorf | Merchant Marine Academy |
| Sharp, Philip | Charles | La Plata High School | Hughesville | Merchant Marine Academy |
"I am very proud of these outstanding young men and women," Hoyer said. "To be accepted to any of the military academies is a reflection of intelligence, hard work, and perseverance - exactly the qualities that we need in our military officers."
"During the last five years, our nation has made a tremendous request of its military and their families as we continue to fight in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world," Hoyer added. "The courage and determination exhibited by our military provides these students with a very real picture of the service they are preparing for at these esteemed institutions."
"Furthermore, these academies teach skills that are invaluable in today's job market. Graduation from the U.S. Military, Air Force, Naval, and Merchant Marine Academies ensures a successful future for today's young men and women, both for those who pursue a career in the military and those who enter the job market after fulfilling their obligations," Hoyer said.
"As America fights a global war on terror, these young leaders understand full well the challenging journey ahead of them," Hoyer concluded. "It is reassuring to have met so many motivated young men and women who are eager to serve their country."
The appointment process is highly competitive and requires students to meet strict academic qualifications. Applicants must also interview with and receive a recommendation by a non-partisan Academy Selection Board appointed by Congressman Hoyer.
Once the nominations are forwarded to the Service Academies, they evaluate each student's eligibility based on his or her academic and extra-curricular record, leadership skills, physical stamina and other requirements. Each year, only about 1,200 students from across the nation enter each Academy.