Each year, I have the privilege of nominating several outstanding young men and women from the Fourth Congressional District to our nation’s service academies.  These superior centers of learning and service are some of the most selective institutions of higher education in the world.  They offer our young people unique opportunities to not only obtain a first-class education, but also to serve our country when they graduate as commissioned officers in the United States Armed Forces.

My office is now accepting nomination applications until November 7 to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Col.; the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y.; the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y.; and, the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.

Nomination selections are made on the basis of academic factors, leadership potential, physical fitness, extracurricular activities, and an interview. An application for nomination must be obtained by my office, completed and then submitted back by Friday, November 7 at 5:00 p.m.

The application includes several required materials, so applicants are urged to read the application carefully and ensure all appropriate documentation and materials are included.  Some of these include a high school transcript, ACT or SAT scores, three letters of recommendation, a list of academic honors and extracurricular activities and a 500-word essay on why the applicant wishes to attend a service academy.

It is also important to note that all required documentation submitted to my office is not forwarded to the academy.  Students must also complete and submit the requisite admissions application to the preferred academy.  Interested students can download a nomination application on my Congressional website by clicking here or by calling my office at 800.223.2220.

Please encourage your children, grandchildren and friends to apply.  Graduating from these academies will open so many doors of opportunities to our young men and women and I would be honored to show the rest of the world the extraordinary individuals we have in southern Arkansas.

Sincerely,

 
Mike Ross

Mike (center) meets with Rep. Bobby Pierce of Sheridan (left) and Sheridan Intermediate School Principal J. Judith (right) on Oct. 6 in Sheridan while hosting Community Office Hours, which his office regularly hosts throughout the Fourth Congressional District.