WASHINGTON D.C.-(Effingham Radio)- The following has been released by Representative Shimkus regarding the Service Academy Nominees:
“As a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, the annual reception I host for service academy cadets and nominees is one of the highlights of my year. This year, I’m pleased to have nominated 17 bright young men and women from around the 15th District who are considering an academy for their college choice.
From left to right, the nominees with me above are: Anna Freeland of Mount Carmel, Gianna Vacca of Iuka, Marvin Abernathy of Ashmore, Will Schleper of Breese, Justin Del Rosario of Troy, Gary Harness of Mount Carmel, Broderick Goss of Sullivan, Patrick Sherrod of Effingham, Jerry Koretz of Collinsville, Andrew Perry of Effingham, and Spencer Johnson of Sullivan. I was also pleased to nominate the following students who were unable to attend the reception: Trenton Butler of Dahlgren, Conrad Ebbecke of Mahomet, Augustus Heal of Effingham, Walter Jackson of Danville, Dylan Pattison of St. Jacob, and Robert Rardin of Charleston.
Receiving a congressional nomination is important, but that alone doesn’t guarantee admission to any of the service academies. The academies themselves make the final determination as to whether a nominee receives an appointment to attend that academy. They’ll look at the prospective-cadet’s academics, leadership, and physical fitness to make sure he or she is well-rounded and able to cope with the unique experience of attending a military school.
While I can and do tell nominees about my experience at West Point from 1976-1980, a fresh perspective is helpful as they make their final decisions. That’s why I also invite current cadets (pictured above) to attend our annual reception, so they can share their perspective and answer nominees’ questions. From left to right, they are: Abigail Duzan of Tuscola, Collin Henderson of Trenton, Ashton Haythorne of Effingham, Gabe Oetting of Charleston, Charles Goss of Sullivan, Austin Myers of Champaign, Jarod Noel of Danville, and James Crane of Arcola.
If you or someone you know in the 15th District is a high school junior, college student, or current member of the military who is interested in attending an academy beginning in 2019, information you’ll need can be found on my website at shimkus.house.gov/services/academy
I offer my sincerest congratulations to these promising young people and commend them for considering a career of service to our nation.”