Rep. Jimmy Panetta Announces Nine Local Nominees to the U. S. Service Academies
Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) announced his 2024 nominations of local high school students to U.S. military academies. The nine students, whom Rep. Panetta nominated, will attend the service academies in the fall as they take their first steps toward becoming officers in the U.S. military. Rep. Panetta held a reception for the nominees and their families on May 10th, 2024, at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center in Monterey.
Students hoping to be considered for the nation’s military academies must first obtain the nomination of their U.S. representative, their U.S. senator, or the vice president. Students completed a written application and participated in an interview process with a panel of community leaders and veterans. The panel selects and then submits its recommendations for Rep. Panetta to decide on the nominations. This year’s student nominees will attend the United States Naval Academy, United States Military Academy West Point, United States Air Force Academy, and the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
“At a time when many of our youth are worried about the future of democracy, there are the best and the brightest in our communities that actually want to do something about it,” said Rep. Panetta. “It is an honor to nominate these nine outstanding young people from across California's 19th Congressional District to our nation’s service academies. These students appreciate the history of our nation and understand that in order for our democracy to succeed it takes people willing to serve. Despite the division and dysfunction felt by many, these future cadets and midshipmen should give all of us hope for the future of our democracy.
High School seniors in California’s 19th Congressional District hoping to be considered for a Military Academy Nomination from Rep. Panetta’s office can apply through an online form by submitting a current photo, education transcripts, ACT/SAT results, a resume of extracurricular activities, personal essay, and a minimum of three letters of recommendation. For questions on the process, students are encouraged to reach out to Rep. Panetta’s district office at 831-424-2229.
Rep. Panetta’s 2024 nominees are:
United States Naval Academy
Walker Craven, Templeton High School
Rachel Kim, Pioneer High School
Spencer Koontz, Pacific Collegiate School
Glen Park, Archbishop Mitty High School
Margaret Yang, Presentation High School
United States Military Academy, West Point
Praise Namuleme, Mission College Preparatory Catholic High School
United States Air Force Academy
Benjamin Caldwell, Pacific Collegiate School
Marvin Steinert, Leland High School
United States Merchant Marine Academy
Angelo Cimino, Salinas High School
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