From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM — Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL) announced that 25 students from Alabama’s Sixth Congressional District have received nominations to attend the U.S. Service Academies. One of the students is from Hewitt-Trussville High School.
The nominees were recognized at a reception held for them and their families at Vestavia Hills City Hall on Feb. 3.
“These young men and women may one day lead our sons and daughters into combat, so I want to make sure that we are sending our best and most qualified to our military academies,” said Palmer in a statement. “It’s always an encouragement to meet so many exceptional, hardworking young people who desire to serve our country. I’m confident that this year’s nominees will represent Alabama proudly and serve America with honor.”
The Service Academy application process requires a nomination from the student’s U.S. House representative, U.S. senator, the vice president, or the president. The U.S. Service Academies include the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York. Once the nomination is confirmed, the academy will review the whole candidate to determine admission. Students who are accepted become scholar soldiers at some of the most prestigious institutions in America.
Each December, Congressman Gary Palmer works with his Academy Advisory Board to interview and nominate outstanding students from the Sixth Congressional District for an appointment to one of these service academies. Service Academy recruiters have consistently praised the achievements and preparedness of recruits from Alabama’s Sixth District. Students who are accepted as cadets and midshipmen will be receiving the highest levels of education, athletic conditioning, leadership building, and training to defend the Constitution and America’s freedoms alongside an extensive network of academy alumni.
The students nominated by Congressman Palmer this year are as follows:
Madison Adamson of Hoover High School is nominated for the U.S. Air Force Academy
Gilbert Amason of Episcopal High School is nominated for the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Military Academy
Liberty Andrzejewski of Hewitt-Trussville High School is nominated for the U.S. Military Academy
Joseph Baxter of Alabama School of Fine Arts is nominated for the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Military Academy
Evie Bell of Oak Mountain High School is nominated for the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Military Academy
Connor Bowen of Mountain Brook High School is nominated for the U.S. Naval Academy
Jay Chang of Marion Military Institute is nominated for the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
Austin de la Torre of Woodberry Forest School is nominated for the U.S. Naval Academy
Reid Freeman of Mountain Brook High School is nominated for the U.S. Military Academy
Elliot Gage of Chelsea High School is nominated for the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
Samuel Graham of Evangel Christian School is nominated for the U.S. Air Force Academy
Noah Harper of Shelby County High School is nominated for the U.S. Air Force Academy
Rebecca House of Indian Springs School is nominated for the U.S. Naval Academy
John Ingram of Vestavia Hills School is nominated for the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
Shane Mackey of Vestavia Hills High School is nominated for the U.S. Military Academy
Cole McKee of Jefferson County Baccalaureate School is nominated for the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy
Cal Reebals of Briarwood Christian School is nominated for the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
Maximillian Renfro of Marion Military Institute is nominated for the U.S. Military Academy
John Richardson of the Westminster School at Oak Mountain is nominated for the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
Alex Sabri of Vestavia Hills High School is nominated for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
Landon Sample of Thompson High School is nominated for the U.S. Military Academy
Will Sawyer of Oak Mountain High School is nominated for the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
Hunter Smyth of Vestavia Hills High School is nominated for the U.S. Military Academy
Jackson Stewart of Bessemer Academy is nominated for the U.S. Air Force Academy
Matthew Walton of Pelham High School is nominated for the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
“I congratulate these students for this major accomplishment in the Service Academy application process,” Palmer said. “I look forward to seeing what the future holds for each of them.”
Congratulations to these impressive students, who seek to achieve at the highest levels in order to serve our country. If you or someone you know is interested in attending a military service academy, please visit www.palmer.house.gov and select “Services: U.S. Service Academy Nominations” for more information. Eligible applicants must be at least 17 years old, a U.S. citizen, have a strong academic background, possess proven leadership skills and be of good moral character.