U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO) today announced the nomination of thirteen students from the Eighth Congressional District for entrance into America's service academies. Those students nominated will now enter the appointment consideration phase of the selection process before being notified of possible July 2003 admission.

 

Commenting on the nominees, Emerson stated, "It's a great privilege to nominate such outstanding young people to our nation's service academies. They represent the best and brightest of today's youth, and I am certain that if chosen by the academies they will serve our country with honor."

 

Students from Missouri's Eighth Congressional District who have been nominated are:

 

U.S. Military Academy -- West Point, New York
Principal: Michael Bowers, Park Hills
1st Alternate: Ryan Sullivan, Poplar Bluff
2nd Alternate: Caleb Bradshaw, Ellsinore

 

U.S. Naval Academy -- Annapolis, Maryland
Principal: Amanda Nisbett, Rolla
Principal: Chad Wiseman, Puxico
Principal: Evan Coleman, Cherryville
1st Alternate: Dane Batson, Poplar Bluff
1st Alternate: Tyler Layman, Birch Tree

 

U.S. Air Force Academy -- Colorado Springs, Colorado
Principal: Heather Moe, Rolla
Principal: Colin McLain, Cape Girardeau
Principal: Mark Gerecke, Jackson
Principal: Derek Roper, Farmington
1st Alternate: Wesley Bell, Bloomfield
1st Alternate: Amanda Nisbett, Rolla

 

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy -- Kings Point, New York
Principal: Tyler Layman, Birch Tree
Principal: Caleb Bradshaw, Ellsinore
Principal: Wesley Bell, Bloomfield
Principal: Dane Batson, Poplar Bluff

 

Nominations to U.S. Service Academies are based upon criteria such as the student's SAT/ACT scores, high school class rank and an evaluation on overall qualifications by the Eighth Congressional District Academy Advisory Board. The board is comprised of individuals from throughout Southern Missouri who have expertise in business, education, journalism, and military issues.

 

Members include:
Colonel (Retired) Ed Owsley, Rolla, Advisory Board Chairman
Paul Childers, West Plains Banker
Michael Greene, Winona Superintendent of Schools
Joe Layden, Editor (Retired)-- Park Hills Daily Journal
Sam Powell, Malden Businessman
Colonel (Retired) Clyde Southern, Pemiscot County Farmer
Patricia Boyers, Owner of Boycom Cable in Poplar Bluff