U.S. Congressman Fred Upton

Washington, DC, Dec 12, 2012 - Congressman Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) has announced his service academy nominees for the 2013-2014 academic year.  The nominees have excelled both academically and athletically at their respective schools and have gone through an extensive selection process.

“It brings me great pleasure to nominate these fine young men and women to our nation’s military academies.  It is a responsibility I do not take lightly,” said Upton.  “Like those who came before them, each member of this distinguished group has undergone a rigorous selection process and represent the finest southwest Michigan has to offer.  Our entire community is so proud of their many accomplishments and commitment to the security of our nation.” 

The selection process included an interview with Upton’s Academy Advisory Board, which is comprised of local community leaders.  Upon approval by the board, the students’ names were then passed on to Upton, who then officially nominated the students to our nation’s military academies.  The individual academies will make the final decisions on military appointments. All applicants to military academies must be nominated by a Member of Congress, the President, or the Vice President.

“It is truly an honor and privilege to nominate these students as they serve as an outstanding example for other local youth who might aspire to follow in their footsteps,” said Upton.  “I strongly encourage local students to contact my St. Joseph/Benton Harbor District Office if they are interested in applying to the academies and opening a whole new world of opportunity and the chance to serve our nation.”

Students interested in attending a service academy are encouraged to contact Upton’s St. Joseph/Benton Harbor District Office for further information: (269) 982-1986.  

Upton has nominated the following students for the class of 2017:

United States Military Academy (Army)
Joseph Livingston                     Kalamazoo                    Portage Northern High School
Adam Taggett                           Portage                        Portage Central High School

United States Naval Academy
Jason German                           Three Oaks                   River Valley High School
Jonathan McDougall                  Stevensville                  Lakeshore High School
David McKeever                        Allegan                         Allegan High School
Theo Haubold                           Hartford                        Hartford High School
Colin Howard                            Portage                        Portage Northern High School
Rachael Armstrong                    St. Joseph                    Lakeshore High School
Alex Gamso                              Niles                             Niles High School

United States Air Force Academy
Ainnie Husain                            Kalamazoo                    Michigan State University
Christopher Lucas                     Mattawan                      Hackett Catholic Central
Kathryn Hawkins                        Three Rivers                  Three Rivers High School
Vincent Cogswell                       Kalamazoo                    Hackett Catholic Central
Benjamin Miota                         Coloma                         Grace Christian School
Amanda Starrett                        St. Joseph                    St. Joseph High School
Jordan Vuckovich                     Mattawan                      Mattawan High School

United States Merchant Marine Academy
William Fry                                Sturgis                          Sturgis High School
Ryan Mavity                              St. Joseph                    Lakeshore High School