Congressman Buchanan Submits Academy Nominees

I had the honor and privilege to sit on this academy selection board along with Pat McLain and Lee Kichen. All the students interviewed were outstanding and will do important things for our great nation. Our congratulations goes out to each of those nominated to one of our excellent service academies. Well done!

Press Release
Media Contact: Sally Tibbetts 941.951.6643

BUCHANAN SUBMITS SERVICE ACADEMY NOMINATIONS - December 6, 2007

Sarasota, Florida -- Congressman Vern Buchanan announced today his nominations to the four U.S. Service Academies. Each year, members of the House and Senate nominate senior high school students for admission to the U.S. Air Force, Merchant Marine, Military and Naval academies. Applicants who meet strict qualifications are interviewed and recommended by a non-partisan Service Academy Board appointed by the Congressman.

“Here in Florida’s 13th Congressional District, we are fortunate to have so many driven and courageous students willing to serve in our armed forces,” said Buchanan. “Each of the nominees is deserving of the privilege of attending one of our nation’s service academies. But only a handful of students from across the country will be admitted. I wish each of my nominees the best of luck throughout the remainder of the selection process.”

The nominations will be forwarded to the service academies where they will be evaluated based on their academic and extra-curricular record, leadership skills, physical stamina, and other requirements. The following nominees were chosen by Buchanan’s U.S. Military Service Academy Board:

Riverview High School student Cameron Addison of Sarasota was nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, the U.S. Military Academy, and the U.S. Naval Academy

Riverview High School and Naval Academy Preparatory School student Dustin Allen of Sarasota was nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy

Sickles High School student Celina Baldwin of Longboat Key was nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, the U.S. Military Academy, and the U.S. Naval Academy

International School of Geneva, Switzerland student Sean Christman of Bradenton was nominated to the U.S. Military Academy

Sarasota Military Academy student Matthew Cowles of Sarasota was nominated to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, the U.S. Military Academy, and the U.S. Naval Academy

Palmetto High School student Heather Hamilton of Parrish was nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy

Northwestern Preparatory School student Simon Irish of Bradenton was nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy

Pine View High School student Lance Larsen of Sarasota was nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy

Pine View High School student Crane Tecce of Sarasota was nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and the U.S. Naval Academy

St. Stephens High School student Molly Tuckerman of Sarasota and was nominated to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy

Northwestern Preparatory School student Cory Williams of Sarasota was nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine, and the U.S. Military Academy