Academy Day Offers Unique Opportunity for Third District Students

Nebraska has always had a rich tradition of service. Each year, young men and women from the Third District attend our nation’s prestigious Service Academies.  These institutions provide a first-rate education and unmatched opportunities for young people looking to achieve their highest potential in education and service.

Each year, I have the honor of nominating a select group of young Nebraskans to attend one of the U.S. Service Academies. The academies include: the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York.

To provide Nebraskans interested in this unique opportunity with more information, I am hosting my annual Academy Day on May 5, 2012. The event will take place at the Grand Island Army Aviation Support Center from 10am to 2pm. Academy Day will provide you with the information you need to determine whether an education at a U.S. Service Academy is the right choice for you or your child. Representatives from each academy will be in attendance to discuss the application process, academy life, and benefits of enrolling.

In order to be considered for nomination, students are required to complete two steps. First, a completed Academy Packet must be submitted with a postmark date no later than September 30, 2012. The packet provides academic records, letters of recommendation, and other relevant information to help make the decision.

The second step to receive a nomination is the required personal interview. In early November 2012, students who have completed packets by the required deadline will be invited for an interview with the Academy Advisory Committee, which has been established to help evaluate applicants for nomination.

Once these steps are complete, I will nominate a select few for admission. Ultimately, the final decision to admit a nominee belongs to the Academies. Criteria for admission include personal merit, academic achievement, character traits, leadership ability, physical aptitude, and extracurricular involvement. For more information about the Academy Packet and the nomination process, feel free visit my website: http://adriansmith.house.gov.

Throughout our nation’s history, U.S. Service Academies have played an important role in preparing young people for service to our country.  Nebraska never has been short of patriotic young men and women willing to step forward to answer the call of duty.  It is my honor to help you take advantage of the opportunities provided by these institutions because preparing tomorrow's generation of leaders is critical to our success in the future.