MOUNT VERNON – U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) recently announced that he has nominated 17 local young men and women 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 home to some of the brightest and most patriotic young men and women,” said Bost. “It’s exciting to see that the fire of service still burns bright. These students are outstanding members of our community, setting a great example both in and out of the classroom. They represent the next generation of leaders, and I have no doubt they have bright futures ahead.”
ACADEMY NOMINATIONS
Logan Acevedo from Columbia High School was nominated to the Air Force Academy.
Kenna Anselment from Wayne City High School was nominated to the Military and Naval Academies.
Grace Colgan from Freeburg Community High School was nominated to the Air Force & Naval Academies.
Alexander Crim from Vienna High School was nominated to the Naval Academy.
Seth Daniels from Carbondale Community High School was nominated to the Naval Academy.
Clark Davis from St. Louis University High School was nominated to the Air Force, Naval, and Merchant Marine Academies.
Thomas Gray from Shawnee Community College was nominated to the Air Force Academy.
Luke Hahs from Veritas Scholars Academy was nominated to the Military Academy.
Carson Kalbfleisch from Columbia High School was nominated to the Air Force Academy.
Sean McMurphy from O’Fallon Township High School was nominated to the Air Force, Military, and Naval Academies.
Paula Rivera Mendoza from O’Fallon Township High School was nominated to the Military and Naval Academies.
Edward Morrison from O’Fallon Township High School was nominated to the Air Force Academy.
Klayton Simmons from Mount Vernon Township High School was nominated to the Military Academy.
Miller Simpson from Fairfield Community High School was nominated to the Air Force Academy.
John Sullivan from Mascoutah High School was nominated to the Military Academy.
Hayden Summers from Altamont High School was nominated to the Air Force Academy.
Robert Underwood from the New York Military Academy was nominated to the Military 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 2029 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, 2025; 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.
