Washington, DC - Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) today announced his nominees to the U.S. service academies for the Class of 2012.  After a thorough application process in which his office reviewed numerous applications, Hinchey selected 16 local high school students who he believes would excel at the U.S. Air Force, Merchant Marine, Military, and Naval Academies.  The U.S. Military Academy at West Point has already offered appointments to three of Hinchey's nominees. 

"These 16 outstanding young people have demonstrated a strong work ethic and a commitment to their community and country, which is why I think they would be extremely successful at our nation's fine service academies," Hinchey said. "These students are part of the next generation of leaders in our country and I am proud to nominate them.  I wish all of these nominees the best of luck with the remainder of the application process."

The selection process for the nominees was based on each student’s scholastic record, physical fitness, extracurricular activities, professional recommendations and a personal interview.  The process is highly competitive and the admissions departments of the military academies solely determine decisions on final acceptance.

The names of Hinchey's nominees, by academy, are as follows:

          U.S. Military Academy                                   U.S. Naval Academy
          Joseph Amoroso, Marlboro                               Neha Athavale, Middletown
          John Bowens, Wurtsboro                                 Arian Davis, Poughkeepsie
          Chloe Canavan, Kingston                                  Kyle Guinan, Binghamton
          Justin Good*, Lake Katrine                               Brian Higgins, Vestal 
          Tyler Nash, Pine Bush                                      Brett Resue, Endicott
          Joy Palmer, New Paltz
          Colin Schmitt, Montgomery                               U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
          Angela Smith*, Vestal                                      James Gegan, Jr., Middletown
          Lee Wakeman*, Wallkill

          U.S. Air Force Academy
          Christopher McGahan, Kingston                      

*Indicates candidates who have already been offered appointments.

Members of the House and Senate may nominate eligible candidates for appointments to the nation's service academies. Senators nominate applicants statewide, while representatives, such as Hinchey, nominate applicants only from their congressional district.

Students who are interested in being nominated by Congressman Hinchey in the future should first contact the service academy of their choice in their junior year in high school and then request a nomination from the congressman's office shortly thereafter.  For more information on the application process, students and parents are encouraged to visit Hinchey's website page on academy nominations at www.house.gov/hinchey/services/nominations.shtml.