Congressman Dennis Cardoza
18th Congressional District of California

“These young people represent the finest the Valley has to offer,” Cardoza said. “Our community should be proud to field such a distinguished group.  They are all qualified nominees with the potential to win an appointment.”

Those nominated by Cardoza are:

Nathan Bennett – Modesto High School - U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy

Peter Choe – Merced High School - U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy

Michael La Rocque – Central High School, Fresno, CA  - U.S. Military Academy

Jorge Ortiz – Modesto High School - U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy

Keith Frederickson – East Union High School, Manteca, CA, -  U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy

Melissa Prater – Davis High School, Modesto, CA - U.S. Naval Academy and

U.S. Air Force Academy

Elizabeth Patterson – Merced High School - U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy

Drew Kollman – Golden Valley High School, Merced, CA - U.S. Naval Academy

Michael Head – Los Banos High School - U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

Matthew Versage – Merced High School - U.S. Air Force Academy

Cardoza’s Academy Selection Committee interviewed each applicant and made its recommendations to Cardoza last week. The selection of nominees is based on a composite of academic factors, including junior class rank and SAT scores, along with leadership potential.

Young men and women who are interested in seeking a nomination for next year should contact Lisa Mantarro Moore with Cardoza’s office at (209) 527-1914.