(Warwick, R.I.)–Congressman Jim Langevin today announced that Jennawe Mantie, a student from Exeter-West Greenwich High School, has been accepted to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York.

 Applicants to the Air Force Academy, the Merchant Marine Academy, the Military Academy at West Point and the Naval Academy are required to receive a nomination from a member of Congress before being considered for admission.  Criteria for a nomination include strong character, academic excellence, physical aptitude and leadership skills.

 “Nominating young men and women who wish to serve their country is one of the greatest privileges I enjoy as a Member of Congress,” said Congressman Jim Langevin.  “After a thorough application process and rigorous series of interviews, it gives me great pride to announce Jennawe’s acceptance to the U.S. Military Academy.  This acceptance is a great honor shared by only a few of the very best young men and women in our nation”

 Jennawe, the daughter of Brian and Lisa Mantie, has served as Student Council President, a Model Legislator, Vice-President of the Future Business Leaders of America and Historian for the National Honors Society.  In addition to these positions, Jennawe is also active in drama, the student newspaper, mentoring program and many other community service activities.  Her athletic credits include track and field, and she is the first female member of her high school football team.

 There are a number of stringent academic, medical and physical requirements that applicants to the U.S. Service Academies must meet to be considered for acceptance.

Each candidate must be 17 but not yet 23 years of age by July 1st of the year admitted, a U.S. citizen at time of enrollment, unmarried and not be pregnant or have a legal obligation to support a child or children.

To fulfill the academic qualifications, each candidate should have an above-average high school or college academic record and a strong performance on the standardized American College Testing Assessment Program Exam or the College Board Admissions Testing Program Scholastic Aptitude Test.

Medical qualifications include good physical and mental health and ability to pass a medical exam.  Finally, due to the physical nature of the service academies, candidates should have above-average strength, endurance, and agility and adequate performance on a Physical Aptitude Exam.

“The United States service academies represent an honorable commitment to freedom and liberty,” added Langevin.  “I would encourage all high school students to consider applying to an academy as they begin to sift through piles of college brochures and contemplate their futures.”

For additional information regarding the application process and qualifications for the U.S. Service Academies, Second Congressional District residents are encouraged to call Congressman Langevin’s Rhode Island District Office at 401/732-9400.

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