Waxahachie, Texas – Congressman Jake Ellzey recently submitted his nominations for the U.S. military academies including Ethan Clarke, Lake Ridge High School; Alicia Correll, Harmony School of Innovation; Christopher Dotson, Mansfield High School; Megan Fellows, Red Oak High School; Kenneth Garcia, Mansfield Summit High School; Vinh Ho, Mansfield Timberview High School; Aaron Jett, Maypearl High School; Jaiden Lanier, Mansfield High School and USAFA Preparatory School; Jazmin Lemus, South Grand Prairie High School; Oyalami Oluvakorede, Winfree Academy and USAFA Preparatory School ; Charlotte Patterson, Zama Middle High School; Seth Ramsey, Maypearl High School; Anthony Schmidt, Midlothian Heritage High School;  Nicholas Schwind, Midlothian Heritage High School; Destiny Spelts, Mansfield High School; Lauren St. Clair, Mansfield Lake Ridge High School; Trevor Tobey, Midlothian High School; Carson Yingling, Kennedale High School and USAFA Preparatory School.

Representative Ellzey stated, "One of my favorite duties as a Member of Congress is nominating outstanding young men and women to our nation's service academies from the 6th Congressional District. Having been a Naval Academy graduate myself, I know firsthand the magnitude of the sacrifice these students are willing to make in service to our country. I had the opportunity to meet with these exceptional candidates seeking a nomination. This was a highly competitive process, and I could not be prouder of what they have already accomplished in their extracurricular activities and academics. I want to see even more candidates applying to the academies and to my office for nominations in the coming years."

A congressional nomination is required for students wishing to enter the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY. Successful applicants will have a broad academic background, the ability to pass a physical aptitude test, and strong leadership potential. An applicant must also be a U.S. citizen, a high school graduate between the ages of 17 and 23, unmarried, have no dependents, and be of high moral character. While it is an honor to receive a congressional nomination, this does not guarantee their acceptance by appointment into the academy. The decision is ultimately made by the admissions officers at the academies. Acceptance of a service academy appointment requires at least a nine-year service obligation, including four years at an academy and five years of active-duty service. 

High School juniors interested in applying for a future nomination can reach out to kyler.murphy@mail.house.gov or call 469-550-7150 for more information.