WASHINGTON (June 26, 2008) – Twenty students, a record for the Fifth Congressional District, were offered a spot at one of the U.S. Service academies this year. On Monday, Congressman Steny Hoyer (D) hosted a congratulatory tea reception on Capitol Hill for the students.
Every year, Congressmen nominate candidates from their district for admission into one of four United States Service Academies: The U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York (Army), the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.
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 Hoyer.
Once the nominations are forwarded to the Service Academies, they evaluate each student’s eligibility based on their 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.
The following student were offered appointments. An offer does not mean the student has accepted.
Air Force Academy
Jacob Naumann, Calvert, Huntingtown HS
Meghan Prinkey, Charles, Bishop McNamara HS
Kirby Forssell, Prince George’s, Eleanor Roosevelt HS
Robert Wilhelm, St. Mary’s, Leonardtown HS
Merchant Marine Academy
Paul Carter, Calvert, Northern HS
Kemry Coleman, Calvert, Huntingtown HS
Jeffrey Smith, St. Mary’s, Leonardtown HS
Tyler Spaulding, St. Mary’s, St. Mary’s Ryken HS
U.S. Naval Academy
Colin Kelly, Calvert, Patuxent HS
Eric Mills, Calvert, Calvert HS
Kevin Richardson, Calvert, Calvert HS
Matthew Standard, Calvert, Huntingtown HS
William Bingham, Charles, La Plata HS
Emily Kay, Prince George’s, Bowie HS
Michael Klakring, Prince George’s, Archbishop Spalding HS
Colleen McFadden, Prince George’s, Bishop Treton HS
Gregory Eastburg, St. Mary’s, Leonardtown HS
Charles Rixey, St. Mary’s, St. Mary’s Ryken HS
Richard Prevatt, St. Mary’s, Home schooled and Northern HS
West Point
Jordon Owens, Prince George’s, Home schooled