BRADENTON, FL - Congressman Vern Buchanan announced today that eleven area students that he nominated have received an appointment to one of our country’s premiere U.S. Service Academies.

“I would like to congratulate these outstanding young men and women for their appointments,” said Congressman 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 look forward to watching them serve our nation with honor and distinction.” 

Each year, members of the House and Senate nominate senior high school students they represent for admission to the U.S. Air Force, 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

  • IMG Academy graduate Andrew Mikell Thompson of Bradenton received an appointment to the United States Military Academy
  • Bradenton Christian School graduate Aspen Benigni of Palmetto received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy
  • IMG Academy graduate Joshua Wolff of Bradenton received an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy

Hillsborough County

  • Bell Creek Academy graduate Jack Matthew Spain of Lithia received an appointment to the United States Military Academy
  • The Academy of the Holy Names graduate Maisi Rose Sigler of Riverview received an appointment to the United States Military Academy
  • Strawberry Crest High graduate Saige Starford of Lithia received an appointment to the United States Military Academy
  • Admiral Farragut Academy graduate Nathaniel Hewett of Riverview received an appointment to the United States Military Academy
  • Admiral Farragut Academy graduate Gavin Wolfgang Schlosser of Bradenton received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy
  • The Academy of the Holy Names graduate Morgan Alison Hunt of Brandon received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy and the United States Air Force Academy
  • Strawberry Crest High graduate Jennalise Kaitlyn Tia of Bradenton received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy and the United States Air Force Academy
  • Newsome High School graduate Matthew Conord of Lithia received an appointment to the United States Merchant Marine 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 to serve five-years in the active-duty military after graduation.

###