Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Doug Collins announced the nominations of 24 local students to the nation’s four service academies. Congressman Collins issued the following statement congratulating the 2015 nominees:

“I am honored to nominate such distinguished and qualified students to our nation’s military service academies. Each of them have completed a rigorous application and interview process to arrive at this point.  From here they will compete with the finest students throughout the country for a coveted spot in the newest classes.  They have all demonstrated the skill and determination necessary to succeed and become the next generation of military leaders. Their willingness to serve our nation and defend our liberties is a shining example to everyone in the ninth district of Georgia.”

Below are the names of the nominees, and the school they currently attend:

Jacob Heydinger, Elbert Co. Comprehensive HS

Gino Saponari, Elbert Co. Comprehensive HS

Alexander Chastain, Fannin County HS

Cory Campbell, North Forsyth HS

Matthew McClelland, North Forsyth HS

Nina Carter, North Forsyth HS

Garrett Sellers, Gilmer County HS

John Gallagher, Tallulah Falls HS

Chad Newstrom, West Hall HS

Sawer Madsen, GA Military College

Jonathan Olson, Riverside Military Academy

Christian Hunt, West Hall HS

James Carothers, Naval Academy Prep School

Christopher Olmstead, Kent State University

Jacob Shewbert, Flowery Branch HS

Matthew Hale, Jefferson HS

Austin Pierce, Lumpkin Co. HS

Victoria Hicks, Chattanooga Girls Prep

Walker  Lawrence, Pickens County HS

Maverick Pierce, Pickens County HS

Canaan York, Vicenza HS (Italy)

Tiffany  Haddock, Stephens County HS

James Carter, Stephens County HS

 

Students must be nominated to an academy by a Member of Congress, the Vice-President of the United States, or a Service Branch Secretary; however final appointment decisions are made by the individual academies. If offered admission, they will enter their respective academy in the summer of 2016. Upon completion, they will receive a commission as officers in their chosen branch.

 

The four service academies are:

 

United States Military Academy in West Point NY

United States Naval Academy in Annapolis MD

United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs CO

United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point NY

 

Those interested in applying for next year’s nominating process can find more information on Congressman Collins’ official website, DougCollins.house.gov or by calling Bill Kokaly  in the Gainesville office at (770) 297-3388.