O’FALLON – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today announced he has nominated 18 local students for admittance to the U.S. Service Academies. Nominations were made following the recommendations of an independent panel that reviewed applications and conducted formal interviews. Final determination on admission is made by the individual academies.

“Southern Illinois is blessed to have exceptional and patriotic young men and women who are already leading their community in and out of the classroom,” said Bost.  “As a veteran, I encourage these individuals to apply for an academy nomination and continue to represent the best our state has to offer.  I’m proud that Southern Illinois produces some of the best students in this country to lead a new generation.”

Academy Nominations

Brent Anderson attends O’Fallon High School and was nominated to the Air Force Academy.

William Brant attends First Baptist Academy and was nominated to the Air Force Academy.

Nathan Burton attends O’Fallon High School and was nominated to the Air Force Academy.

Noah Cash attends Marion High School and was nominated to the Air Force Academy.

Cade Cruse attends Marion High School and was nominated to the Naval Academy.

Joseph Deagan attends O’Fallon High School and was nominated to the Naval Academy and Air Force Academy.

Gavin Gonzalez attends O’Fallon High School and was nominated to the Military Academy, Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy.

Julia Gundlach attends O’Fallon High School and was nominated to the Air Force Academy.

Jace Hahs attends Herrin High School and was nominated to the Naval Academy.

David Hur attends O’Fallon High School and was nominated to the Air Force Academy.

Sean Kulig attends Belleville West High School and was nominated to the Naval Academy

Samuel McCoy attends O’Fallon High School and was nominated to the Military Academy.

James Nash attends Belleville East High School and was nominated to the Air Force Academy.

Christine Null attends Carterville High School and was nominated to the Naval Academy.

Anthony Rizzo attends St. Louis University High School and was nominated to the Naval Academy and Air Force Academy.

Steven Siemonsma attends Belleville East High School and was nominated to the Naval Academy and Merchant Marine Academy.

Sean Spoerre attends Carterville High School and was nominated to the Military Academy, Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy.

Brendan Wilson attends Mascoutah High School and was nominated to the Military Academy and Naval Academy.

Members of Congress nominate candidates to the U.S. Service Academies each year and the number of vacancies for each congressional district is determined by law. Candidates can be considered for openings at the U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs, Co.), U.S. Military Academy (West Point, N.Y.), U.S. Merchant Marines Academy (Kings Point, N.Y.) and the U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis, Md.).

To be considered for appointment for the Class of 2024 all applicants must be: a U.S. citizen; a legal resident of the 12th District; at least 17 but not more than 23 years of age on July 1, 2020; single; and have no dependents. It is recommended that applicants contact the academy or academies of their choice to request a pre-candidate questionnaire, which is the first step in the Admission Office’s evaluation.

For more information or to obtain an application packet for next year’s nominations, visit Rep. Bost’s website HERE.

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