Smith Announces Nominees to U.S. Service Academies

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) today announced his nomination of nine students to the U.S. Service Academies for the class entering the fall of 2013.

Members of Congress have the privilege of nominating young people for admission to the U.S. Service Academies, which includes the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, the Merchant Marine Academy, and the Coast Guard Academy.  The Service Academies offer a unique opportunity for motivated students to serve their country while undergoing a rigorous academic and physical regimen.  In exchange for tuition, students agree to serve in the U.S. military after graduation.

Shane Bloom, son of Kevin Bloom, is a freshman at the University of Nebraska-Kearney and a graduate of Wilber-Clatonia High School in Wilber.  He has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York.

Brian Evertson, son of Kirk and Debra Evertson, is a senior at Kimball High School in Kimball.  He has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.

Seth Fosket, son of Denise Fosket and the late John Fosket, is a senior at Aurora High School in Aurora.  He has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, and the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Carson Homolka, son of Richard and Kathy Homolka, is a senior at Wilber-Clatonia High School in Wilber.  He has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York.

Seth Hunt, son of Almer and Michaela Hunt, is a senior at Anselmo-Merna Public Schools in Merna.  He has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.

Josh Keller, son of Barton and Kim Keller of Merna, is a senior at the A Beka Academy.  He has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, and the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Alex Lowe, son of John and Kim Lowe, is a senior at Kearney Catholic School in Kearney.  He has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, and the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Elkanah Riley, son of Shawn and Kim Riley, is a senior at Ogallala High School in Ogallala.  He has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.

Jessica Schwanebeck, daughter of Derek and Lesa Schwanebeck, is a senior at Hyannis High School in Hyannis.  She has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York.

Applicants met personally with Smith’s Academy Advisory Committee and were evaluated on academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, career motivation, personal traits, letters of recommendation, essays, and personal interviews.  Each Academy will make a determination regarding appointments by April of next year.

“Nominating exceptional young people for the Service Academies is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job,” said Smith.  “These accomplished students have demonstrated the determination and ability to excel in the Service Academies and beyond as leaders in the United States military.  I am inspired by their commitment to their communities and families and I am grateful for their willingness to serve our nation.”