WASHINGTON  -  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today asked high school residents of Missouri’s Eighth Congressional District to consider attending the nation’s military academies.

 

“I know there are many young men and women in Southern Missouri who would make great leaders in the uniforms of our country’s armed forces,” Emerson said.  “I would invite them to learn about the admissions process at the academies by contacting my office and by talking to their guidance counselors.  Our armed services academies offer a strong college learning experience combined with personal betterment and service to our country.”

 

The application process includes a formal application to a panel of community volunteers from throughout the district, followed by selection of nominees by the panel, which are passed on to the respective academies the applicants would like to attend.  Finally, the academies notify the students they have accepted.  Admissions to the academies are all very competitive, as they draw qualified students from across the nation.

 

“There is no doubt that this is a long process for the students who are determined to attend one of the academies, but it is a worthwhile exercise even for those students who are not admitted.  For those who are selected, they are in for a very positive life-changing experience.  The admissions process begins so early because so many qualified students are competing for so few opportunities,” Emerson said.

 

The four armed service academies are West Point in New York (U.S. Army), the U.S. Naval Academy in Maryland (U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps), the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado (U.S. Air Force), and the Merchant Marine Academy in New York (U.S. Merchant Marine).

 

Students can contact Darren Lingle in Emerson’s Rolla office at (573) 364-2455 (fax: (573) 364-1053 and e-mail: darren.lingle@mail.house.gov) for information about the academy nomination process.  A packet of information including various deadlines and a formal four-page application will be sent to interested students.