DeGette Announces Nominations To Service Academies

DENVER –U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) has nominated 18 high school students from Colorado’s First Congressional District to the United States service academy of their choice.

“I’m proud of each of these students, and we can all look forward to their promising futures,” said DeGette. “It is a great honor to pursue a career in public service, and I am gratified to see some of Colorado’s best and brightest choose to continue their education and begin their careers in service to our country.”

Each year, the U.S. Service Academies (U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy) accept a limited number of students. In order to be admitted, students must receive a congressional nomination from either their U.S. Representative or Senator and must meet the highly competitive educational and extracurricular standards that are set by the individual academies as well as standards for physical aptitude and medical fitness.

As part of their application process students must receive a nomination from a Member of Congress. Since many more individuals apply for a nomination than can be nominated, it is a competitive process.

A volunteer citizen advisory board helps Congresswoman DeGette select the strongest candidates. The full list of nominees is below, along with the high school they currently attend.

U.S. Air Force Academy
1. Michael Chado* – Lakewood High School
2. Tyler Linnebur – Collegiate Academy of Colorado
3. Colby Pedrick – U.S. Air Force Academy Prep Academy
4. Charles Bruce* – Denver School of Science and Technology
5. Cassidy Hicks – South High School

U.S. Military Academy
1. Daniel Luna* - John F. Kennedy High School
2. Jess Randol* – East High School
3. Dallas Faircloth – U.S. Military Prep Academy
4. Taylor Dugdale – Columbine High School
5. Lauren McGovern* – George Washington High School

U.S. Naval Academy
1. Zachary Lowe – Chatfield Senior High School
2. Alexander Abrashoff* – Dakota Ridge High School
3. Cory Christianssen – John F. Kennedy High School
4. Anthony Giuntini – Mother of Divine Grace High School
5. Whitney Navarro – Kent Denver

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
1. Emily Gramer – Littleton High School
2. Courtney Geisert – Columbine High School
3. Naudia Sweets – South High School

*Denotes acceptance into the respective service academy as of today

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