(Liberty, MO)  U.S. Congressman Sam Graves today announced he has nominated several Sixth District students to the United States Service Academies.

Each year members of Congress are responsible for selecting very highly qualified students to attend one of our nation’s prestigious military academies. Graves said many very qualified students applied for a nomination through his office this year.

Graves nominated the following students:

* Michael Tucci from St. Pius X  and Jennifer Bunge from St. Joseph Benton High School to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York.

* Collin Wittmeyer from Platte County R-3 High School, Alexander Pennetti from Winnetonka High School, Scott Hedden from St. Joseph Benton High School, Jacob Zembles from Tri-City Christian High School in Blue Springs, Christopher Buckles from Mound City High School and Kyle Street from Kearney R-1 High School to the United States Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado.

 * Andrew Hatfield of Eagle Heights Christian High School in Kansas City, Bryce McDonald from Liberty High School, Jacob Paschal from Bishop LeBlond High School, Jessica Klusmeyer from Boonville High School, William Parker, Jr. from Boonville High School and Alexander Pennetti from Winnetonka High School to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. 
 
“I am both honored and proud to nominate these students,” said Graves. “They have proven they can excel both in and out of the classroom.  They are all well-rounded individuals that will make the Sixth District extremely proud.”

The nomination system is a very competitive process.  The various military academies hold very selective admission standards.  To help in the nomination process, Graves created an Academy Nominations Review Board.  The board, made up of service academy graduates and citizens of the 6th District, interviewed and reviewed all applicants and made final recommendations to Graves.

Graves, who notified each student by phone that he was nominating them, said it was a very difficult to make his final selections since all the students that applied were so exceptional. All of the applicants had impressive academic credentials and extensive involvement in school and community activities.

“The Sixth District continues to produce some of the most outstanding candidates in the nation,” said Graves. “They have made a commitment to be the best and to serve our nation’s armed services.  I am very proud of all of them.”

Students interested in being appointed to a service academy can find out more information by contacting Graves’ district office in Liberty or by visiting his website: www.house.gov/graves.

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