SARASOTA—U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan announced today that eight students nominated by Buchanan have received an appointment to a U.S. Service Academy.
“I congratulate these outstanding young men and women for their appointments,” said Buchanan. “They should take pride in having successfully competed with so many students from across the country. It is an honor not only for them, but for all who have supported them along the way. I wish them the best of luck and have full confidence that they will serve our nation with honor.”
Each year, members of the House and Senate nominate senior high school students they represent for admission to the U.S. Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, Military and Naval academies. Applicants who meet strict qualifications are interviewed and recommended by a non-partisan Service Academy Board appointed by the Congressman.
The following students nominated by Buchanan received an academy appointment for the fall:
Manatee County
- Cody Scott Gross of IMG Academy in Bradenton and the United States Air was appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy
- Michael Taylor Shaklik of Out of Door Academy in Lakewood Ranch was appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy
Sarasota County
- Jaxson Crump of Sarasota High School in Sarasota was appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy
- Elizabeth Jendrysik of Riverview High School in Sarasota was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy
Hillsborough County
- Andrew Fischer of Newsome High School in Lithia was appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy
- Savanah Holt of Riverview Senior High School and the Naval Academy Prep School was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy
- Samantha Vest of Tabb High School in Sun City was appointed to the U.S. Military Academy
- Katherine Ward of Riverview High School in Riverview was appointed to the U.S. Military Academy
The U.S. Service Academies are four-year post-secondary institutions that combine educational excellence with military officer training. Students accepted to the academies receive a free four-year education in return for a commitment serve five-years in the active-duty military after graduation.
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