Fourteen Local Students Offered Appointments to U.S. Service Academies

WASHINGTON - Fourteen students from the Fifth Congressional District (Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary's counties, and areas of Prince George's and Anne Arundel counties) were offered appointments to a U.S. Service academy this year. Congressman Steny Hoyer nominated the students last year.

Hoyer will host an afternoon tea on Monday, June 21 at 3:00 p.m. at the U.S. Capitol for appointees and their families in recognition of their accomplishments.

"I am very proud of these outstanding young men and young women," said Congressman Hoyer. "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.

"Our nation has made a tremendous request of its military and their families over the past year by sending hundreds of thousands of our servicemen and women overseas. The courage and determination exhibited by these troops 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 for those who enter the job market after fulfilling their obligations. I am excited for these talented future leaders from Maryland as they embark on this challenging and rewarding journey. And, I am grateful to them for accepting the responsibility of our country's defense."

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. Appointments are offered by the Academies as the students are evaluated.

Each year, only about 1,200 students from across the Nation enter each Academy.

The following is a list of students who received appointments along with the name of the high school attended:

NAME, COUNTY, HIGH SCHOOL, HOMETOWN

AIR FORCE ACADEMY

Kevin Crumrine, Anne Arundel, Severn School, Edgewater

Claire Vazquez, Prince George's, Eleanor Roosevelt, Bowie

John Supp, St. Mary's, Grace Brethren, Christian Mechanicsville

MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY

Theodore Karol, Calvert, Calvert High, Port Republic

WEST POINT

Mark Podrazik, Anne Arundel, South River, Davidsonville

Connor Wicklund, Anne Arundel, South River, Edgewater

Jonathan Damalouji, Prince George's, De Matha Catholic, Huntingtown

Aaron Palmer, Charles, Gonzaga Catholic, Port Tobacco

NAVAL ACADEMY

Charles Carr, Anne Arundel, St. Mary's, Edgewater

Ryan Mills, Calvert, Patuxent, St. Leonard

Kyle Fancher, Calvert, Patuxent, St. Leonard

Matthew Hoffman, Prince George's, Eleanor Roosevelt, Bowie

Michelle Mattingly, Charles, Leonardtown, Hughesville

Lydia von Gohren, St. Mary's, Leonardtown, Leonardtown

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