The event will run from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 12, at Ripley Union Lewis Huntington High School, 1317 South Second Street (U.S. 52) in the Brown County village of Ripley.

 

It is open to students who live anywhere in Ohio’s Second Congressional District, which includes all of Clermont, Brown, Adams, and Pike counties as well as parts of Hamilton, Warren, and Scioto counties. Also welcome are parents, teachers, and high school counselors.

 

“One of the best things about my job is to be able to nominate students from my district to our nation’s military academies,” Congresswoman Schmidt said. “Every year I have been amazed at the talent and achievements of these young men and women. I applaud their patriotism and desire to serve in the greatest military in the world.”

 

Students will learn the requirements and procedures to obtain a congressional nomination to attend: the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. (Army); the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y.

 

Members of Congress don’t nominate candidates to the Coast Guard Academy, but a representative of that branch will also participate in the April 12 event.

 

“The service academies are looking for individuals who are well-rounded – academically, physically, and socially – who have demonstrated leadership qualities, community service, and a strong desire to serve in the military as an officer,” Congresswoman Schmidt said.

 

Academies usually make appointments by the spring of the following year. Ideally, students seeking a nomination should begin the process in the spring of their junior year, but all high school students interested in seeking admission may attend the April 12 event. For more information, call Congresswoman Schmidt’s office at (513) 791-0381.