Congresswoman Chellie Pingree has announced her office’s nominees to the United States Service Academies—the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York. To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, applicants must be nominated by an authorized nominating source, which includes Members of Congress.
“This group of students represents some of Maine’s best and brightest. They have all demonstrated exceptional leadership, high academic standards, and a passion for helping others,” said Pingree. “Whatever happens from here, they should all be proud of themselves. We are lucky that they have chosen to offer their talents in service to the country, and it’s an honor to nominate them.”
The nominees were interviewed by a panel of six on their academic record, test scores, leadership ability, involvement in extra-curricular activities, and exemplified commitment to serving their country.
Pingree nominated several students to more than one academy.
United States Naval Academy
Emma Begin, Chelsea, Hall-Dale High School
Hayden Eilinger, Hollis Center, Bonny Eagle High School
Gail Johnson, Portland, Waynflete
Eric Kousky, Brunswick, University of San Diego, Brunswick High School (prior)
Thanakrit Manjai, Windham, Naval Academy Preparatory School, Windham High School (prior)
Jenna Petrovic, Winslow, Winslow High School
Lukas Pushor, Portland, Falmouth High School
David Stansfield, Berwick, Noble High School
Chris Tomascak, Portland, New Mexico MilItary Institute, Portland High School (prior)
Jackson Vail, Waldoboro, Medomak Valley High School
United States Military Academy
Emma Begin, Chelsea, Hall-Dale High School
Jacob Connors, Kennebunk, Norwich University, Kennebunk High School (prior)
Martin Dioli, Yarmouth, Salisbury School
Elaine Dudley, North Waterboro, Massabesic High School
Taylor Perkins, Gorham, Gorham High School
Kyle Rosado, Freeport, Freeport High School
Abby Runnells, Saco, Thornton Academy High School
Jackson Vail, Waldoboro, Medomak Valley High School
Cody Veilleux, Waterville, Waterville High School
United States Air Force Academy
Luke Arsenault, Manchester, Kents Hill School
Emma Begin, Chelsea, Hall-Dale High School
Sean Bowers, Scarborough, Scarborough High School
Matt Claar, Falmouth, Falmouth High School
Martin Dioli, Yarmouth, Salisbury School
Cody Hart, Lebanon, Noble High School
Kyle Rosado, Freeport, Freeport High School
Abby Runnells, Saco, Thornton Academy High School
United States Merchant Marine Academy
Gail Johnson, Portland, Waynflete
Matthew McCarty, Gorham, Gorham High School
Cooper Siepert, Cape Elizabeth, Cape Elizabeth High School
Chris Tomascak, Portland, New Mexico MilItary Institute, Portland High School (prior)