IRVING -- U.S. Congressman Kenny Marchant (TX-24) held a forum Saturday at Ranchview High School in Irving to provide information and encouragement for high school students who hope to receive a nomination to one of the nation’s five esteemed military service academies.

Marchant spoke to the students about the prestige of an academy appointment and how attendance there can affect one’s future.  The congressman was also recognized for having the Texas Congressional District with the second most students accepted to the academies.  Captain Tom Kapurch, Admissions Liaison Officer of the Naval Academy, presented Marchant an award for the achievement. 

“The schools and communities of Dallas-Forth Worth produce not only great students, but great leaders,” said Marchant.  “If you attend one of these well respected academies, your education and leadership potential will be fully maximized.  Many of the future leaders of our country will attend these very academies, and I am confident some of you here today will be those leaders.” 

Students from many schools throughout Marchant’s Congressional District attended the event to hear from representatives of the academies and gain insight from current cadets and midshipmen.  The current academy appointees walked the prospective applicants through a typical semester at each of the academies, regaling significant moments in their experiences and describing the opportunities they have had to travel the world during the summer.

The three students from the academies who spoke with the attendees were: Joshua Mauldin of West Point, from Bedford, Meaghan Delong of the Naval Academy, from Coppell, and Christopher Conley of the Air Force Academy, from Arlington.  In addition to each of the five academies being represented, TCU Army ROTC, North Texas Navy ROTC, Marion Military Institute, and Greystone Preparatory Academy were also in attendance.  

Each year the five service academies, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, Naval and the Military Academy at West Point, give appointments to the most deserving nominees from each congressional district.  All prospective appointees, except those attending the Coast Guard Academy, must receive a nomination from his or her U.S. representative, U.S. senator or the office of the Vice President.

All academies maintain rigorous standards and low acceptance rates and it is considered an honor to be offered an appointment.  On average, the monetary value of each education is approximately $250, 000.
   

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Congressman Marchant addresses Academy Day audience at Ranchview High School in Irving