Several local young men and women from Western Pennsylvania have been nominated to attend various United States Service Academies.

Twenty-two students received congressional nominations as part of their applications to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, or the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point.

"Each year it is an honor to nominate bright young students to serve at the elite United States Service Academies," said U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly. "If these men and women are any indication, the future of America's military leadership is on solid ground. Congratulations to these patriotic and brave Western Pennsylvanians. I thank the members of our Service Academy Advisory Board for their expertise and input on our applicants. Their first-hand experience serving our country in uniform is invaluable to our nomination process and I am grateful for their unwavering dedication to finding the next generation of military leaders."

The individuals have been nominated to at least one of the U.S. Service Academies after a rigorous and competitive application process that included an interview with an independent Service Academy Advisory Board.

Members of the board include local academy alumni and veterans.

All candidates were meticulously evaluated on factors such as academic record, extracurricular achievements, leadership potential, character and motivation.

The nominees are:

  • Marrick Bauer, Harbor Creek Senior High School
  • Gabriel Bayle, General McLane High School
  • Shane Cox, United States Air Force Academy Prep. School
  • Madeline Curtis, California University of Pennsylvania
  • Brandel Cwynar, Naval Academy Preparatory School
  • Charles Dugo, Slippery Rock Area High School
  • Jackson Feiock, Mercyhurst University
  • Kathryn Kirby, Eden Christian Academy
  • Alexander Kisak, Northwest PA Collegiate Academy
  • Nadia Lape, Mohawk Senior High School
  • Matthew Lee, McDowell Senior High School
  • Diesel Losch, Butler Area Senior High School
  • Samantha Mahr, Greenville Senior High School
  • Ava McLaughlin, Sharon Senior High School
  • Colby Migliorisi, Moniteau High School
  • Gabriel Nichols, Grove City Area High School
  • Yoskhar Nieves, Northwest PA Collegiate Academy
  • John Pawlowicz, Central Catholic High School
  • Victoria Purchase, Villa Maria Academy
  • Zachary Sanders, Harbor Creek Senior High School
  • Jackson Spires, General McLane High School
  • Nathan Wade, McDowell Senior High School