Washington, D.C. — Today, Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) released the list of 23 Southern Illinois students that he has nominated to four United States service academies—the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Military Academy and the Merchant Marine Academy.  Congressional nomination is the first step in a process toward the students’ acceptance into a military academy.

“Southern Illinoisans should be proud of each one of these students who represent the best our state has to offer,” said Rep. Bost.  “These exceptional candidates I’m nominating will be soon leading their peers.  I’m proud that Southern Illinois produces some of the best students in this country to lead a new generation.  Because of the commitment they have already shown, I thank them for their patriotism and leadership in the years to come.”

A reception will be held on Thursday night at Rep. Bost’s Belleville office located at 23 Public Square, Suite 404 beginning at 6:00pm.  Col. Laura L. Lenderman, the Commander of the 375th Air Mobility Wing at Scott Air Force Base, will address the candidates during the ceremony.

The following students were nominated by Rep. Bost based on their academic performance, extracurricular activity in their communities and personal recommendations:

St. Clair County

• Abigail Anderson will graduate from Belleville Township High School East in St. Clair County this spring.  She was a member of the varsity track and cross country squads.  Abigail is also a member of the National Honor Society.  She also participated in the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Robotics Competition.  Abigail has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy.

• Noah Carpenter will graduate from Freeburg Community High School in St. Clair County this spring.  Noah participated in the Scholar Bowl, Drafting Team and the Science Club.  Noah is currently a Petty Officer with the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps.  Noah has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. 

• Noah Crum will graduate from O’Fallon Township High School in St. Clair County this spring.  He currently has a 4.0 GPA.  Noah excelled in Science, Mathematics, and English preparatory classes and was a member of the National Honor Society.  Noah has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy.

• Alexander Diel is currently attending Althoff Catholic High School in St. Clair County.  He is in honors English, Spanish, Anatomy/Physiology and History.  He is also captain of the bowling team and soccer team.  Alexander served as a math tutor at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Grade School.  He has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy.

• Hannah Davenport will graduate from O’Fallon Township High School in St. Clair County this spring.  Hannah is very active in the First Baptist Church of O’Fallon and several Christian youth organizations. She is also a member of the school show choir as the dance captain.  Hannah has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy.

• Lauren DeLapp will graduate from O’Fallon Township High School in St. Clair County this spring.  She currently has a 4.3 GPA.  Lauren was captain of the varsity competitive dance team and Leadership Council.  She was also a member of the National Honors Society and dance team.  Lauren has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy.

• Joshua Ellis is a graduate of Marion High School in St. Clair County and is currently attending the U.S. Air Force Academy in Estes Park, CO.  In high school, Joshua worked on the video crew for the varsity football and basketball teams.  He also volunteered at the Marion Veteran’s Administration Hospital in the administration department. 

• Joseph Heard will graduate from Belleville East High School in St. Clair County this spring.  Joseph is the founding member of the District 201 JROTC Club Color Guard and also served as the Commanding Officer for the club.  Joseph has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. 

• Michael Hovick will graduate from O’Fallon Township High School in St. Clair County in the spring.  Michael currently has a 3.98 GPA.  He is a member of the Future Business Leaders of America, the Gold Rush Club and the National Honors Society.  Michael also participated on the school’s basketball and volleyball teams.  He also attended Illinois Premier Boys State.  Michael has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy.

• Jacob Hettenhausen will graduate from Columbia High School in St. Clair County this spring.  Jacob has a 4.17 GPA.  He has been active in the Scholar Bowl, been a member of the varsity track team and been in the school marching band all four years.  Jacob is also a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.  Jacob has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy.

• Adriel Moran will graduate from O’Fallon Township High School in St. Clair County in the spring.  Adriel was a member of the National Honors Society and was a finalist of the Military Child of the Year in 2013.  He was a member of the varsity swim team and attended Illinois Boys State in 2014.  Adriel has been nominated to the U.S. Military Academy.   

• Bret Silvestri is a graduate of Althoff Catholic High School in St. Clair County and is currently attending Schreiner University in Kerrville, TX.  Bret was a member of the high school football team and served as team captain.  He was also a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the YMCA.  Bret has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy.

• Bradley Thomas, Jr. will graduate from O’Fallon Township High School in St. Clair County this spring.  Bradley was active in the JROTC Color Guard, serving as the Deputy Corps Commander.  He was also a member of the National Honors Society and a distinguished graduate of the Summer Leadership School.  Bradley has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. 

• Ian Raska will graduate from O’Fallon Township High School in St. Clair County this spring.  He was a member of the National Honors Society and attended Illinois Boys State in July of 2015.  Ian is now a Field Associate for the Political Action Committee Americans for Prosperity (AFP).  He has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy.

• Taylor Weir graduated from Althoff Catholic High School in St. Clair County last year.  She was a member of the National Honors Society and played on the varsity softball team.  Taylor was also a member of the dance team.  She is currently attending Missouri State University.  Taylor has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. 

• Taylor Woody will graduate from Dupo High School in St. Clair County in the spring.  Taylor is currently the Mission Support Commander with the JROTC.  She was also elected President of the Student Council.  Taylor attended leadership school at Scott Air Force Base.  Taylor has been nominated for the U.S. Naval Academy. 

Madison County

• Jordan Brown will graduate from Metro-East Lutheran High School in Edwardsville, located in Madison County this spring.  Jordan was a member of the varsity golf, baseball and basketball teams.  He was also a member of the National Honor Society and co-founder of the Engineering Club.  He also attended the U.S. Air Force Teen Leadership Summit in Estes Park, CO.  Jordan has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy.

• Ben Moyer will graduate from Alton High School in Madison County this spring.  He currently has a 4.5 GPA.  Ben participated in the National Skeet Shooting and Amateur Trapshooting Associations and the Alton Wood River Sportsman’s Club Men’s Trap League.  He also volunteered his time with the American Red Cross and Salvation Army.  Ben has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy.

• Christian Porter graduated from Alton High School in Madison County with a 3.95 GPA.  Christian is currently a cadet at the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School.  He is also a member of the Honor Flight and Vanguard Leadership Project.  In high school, Christian was a member of the National Honors Society and the varsity football and track teams. 

• Chase Zezoff will graduate from Granite City Senior High School in Madison County this spring.  Chase currently has a 5.4 GPA.  He’s a member of the National Honor Society, played on the varsity tennis squad, and served as a Peer Tutor.  Chase also participated in the Scholar Bowl.  He has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy.

Jackson County

• Cameron Hudgins will graduate from the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy in in the spring.  Cameron is from Jackson County.  Cameron is an Eagle Scout and received the Illinois State Scholar Award in 2015.  He also received the Top Ten Award at Carbondale Community High School.   Cameron has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy.     

• Joshua Loyd will graduate from Carbondale Community High School in Jackson County in the spring.  Joshua is a member of the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol and attended the American Legion Boys State.  In addition, Joshua is member of the Boy Scouts of America and is scheduled to receive his Eagle Scout rank.  Joshua has been nominated to the U.S. Military Academy. 

Franklin County

• Taylor Yucus will graduate from Benton Consolidated High School in Franklin County this spring.  He currently has a 4.1 GPA.  Taylor participated in the Scholar Bowl, was a member of the National Honors Society and the Quad-State Choir.  Taylor has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Williamson County

• Tommy Wilson will graduate from Marion High School in Williamson County.  Tommy was a member of the National Honor Society, the varsity football team and varsity tennis squad.  He was also involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and FFA.  Tommy has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy.