FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                             CONTACT: Kevin Lawlor, 202/225-1880

May 19, 2008                                        www.house.gov/tauscher

Local High School Students Accept Offers to Attend Military Service Academies

Walnut Creek, CA - Rep. Ellen O. Tauscher today announced that ten area high school students have accepted offers to attend the nation's military service academies. 

The schools, which include the United Stated Military Academy (West Point), Air Force, and Merchant Marine Academies, are ranked among the most prestigious schools in the country.  They have a longstanding tradition of excellence in education, service and integrity.

"I am proud to see these young men and women go off and represent our communities at the nation's military academies," said Rep. Tauscher. "As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I firmly believe the quality of our military depends heavily on the integrity, skill, and training of our men and women in uniform. These students recognize our country's need for thoughtful and committed leadership and are answering the call to military service."

Attendance at these prestigious Academies allows young men and women to obtain an undergraduate university degree while serving their country as members of the U.S. military.  Designed to produce the services' next generation of leaders, students graduate as commissioned offers in the rank of Second Lieutenant. 

In order to attend a service academy students must receive a nomination from their Representative or Senator, or the Vice President or President.  This honor is afforded to only a few hundred high school students annually. Rep. Tauscher's nominees were finalized in December 2007 and they then had to complete the process for each of the individual academies to which they applied. 

The young men and women competing for nominations to the Service Academies this year included an outstanding group of individuals. While all applicants exemplified the dedication and courage necessary to serve in our military, only the most qualified individuals receive a nomination each year.  Applicants must demonstrate academic strength, leadership ability, involvement in extracurricular activities and a desire to serve their country as a member of the United States military.

Below are the ten local high school seniors nominated by Rep. Tauscher who will attend service academies in the fall:  

In addition, two students nominated by Representative Tauscher will attend the West Point Preparatory School, including Giovanna Camacho of Fairfield and Jamie Ervin of Livermore. Benjamin Lipp of Livermore, who was also nominated by the Congresswoman, received a scholarship from the Air Force Academy to attend a preparatory school.

If you are a high school student who is interested in applying to the service academies for the 2009-2010 school year, or know of one who is, please contact one of Congresswoman Tauscher's offices at 925-932-8899 or 707-428-7792. You may also go to Congresswoman Tauscher's website at www.house.gov/tauscher and click on the "services" button for more information.

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