Irving, TX -- Congressman Kenny Marchant (TX-24) awarded service academy nominations Jan. 19 to twenty-four outstanding students from Congressional District 24. Students are selected for nomination based on the combination of scholastic achievements, athletics, extra-curricular and charity involvement, recommendations from school and community leaders, and interviews. Applicants should also demonstrate a desire to fulfill a long-term commitment to serving the United States in the Armed Forces.

“I am honored to offer nominations to the outstanding young men and women who wish to serve their country," said Congressman Kenny Marchant. "The nominated individuals have proven themselves to be exceptional students and leaders in their schools and communities. These are truly the future leaders of our country."

Ten students received nominations to more than one academy: Patrick Conner of Coppell, the son of Joe and Kimberly Conner and a senior at Coppell High School received nominations to the U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs, CO), the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point, NY) and the U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis, MD). Samuel Eng of Grapevine, the son of Donnie Humphrey and Mabel Eng and a senior at Nolan Catholic High School received nominations to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy. Josiah Johns of Dallas, son of Jay and Jana Johns and a senior at Trinity Christian Academy received nominations to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy. William Mayne of Coppell, son of Thurman and Cheryle Mayne and a senior at Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science received nominations to the U.S. Military Academy (West Point, NY) and the U.S. Naval Academy. Zachary Robinson of Coppell, son of Douglas and Suzann Robinson and a senior at Coppell High School received nominations to the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Lowell Stanford of Southlake, son of John and Pamela Stanford and a senior at Carroll High School received nominations to the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy. Brandan Thomas of Bedford, son Gary and Darlene Thomas and a senior at L.D. Bell High School received nominations to the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy. Courtney Vandament of Coppell, daughter of Graydon and Cindy Vandament and a Coppell High School graduate received nominations to the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy. Matthew Warner of Coppell, son of David and Cindy Warner and a senior at Coppell High School received nominations to the U.S Merchant Marine Academy, the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy. William Aury White of Hurst, son of Monty and Susan White and a senior at Birdville High School received nominations to the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, the U.S. Military Academy, and the U.S. Naval Academy.

Five students received nominations to the U.S. Military Academy: John DePinto of Southlake, son of Joe and Ingrid DePinto and a senior at Carroll High School; Spencer LaFarge of Colleyville, son of Joe and Kelly LaFarge and a senior at Colleyville Heritage High School; Julia Stallard of Colleyville, daughter of Steve and Jill Stallard and a senior at Covenant Christian Academy; Jason Stiles of Coppell, son of Thomas and Lila Stiles and a senior at Coppell High School; and Justin White of Grand Prairie, son of Russell and Beverly White and a senior at Grand Prairie High School.

Four students received nominations to the U.S. Naval Academy: Steven Ellington of Irving, son of Michael and Monica Ellington and a senior at MacArthur High School; Anne Kendzior of Southlake, daughter of Russell and Elisabeth Kendzior and a senior at Carroll High School; Andrew Mays of Southlake, son of Richard and Mary Lynne Mays and a senior at Carroll High School; and Blake Wilson of Hurst, son of James and Melinda Wilson and a senior at Birdville High School.

Four students received nominations to the U.S. Air Force Academy: Allyson Hunter of Southlake, daughter of Robert and Nancy Hunter and a senior at Carroll High School; Kevin Mitchell of Grapevine, son of Patrick and Linda Mitchell and a graduate of Colleyville Heritage High School; Alex Sakovich of Colleyville, son of Stephen and Catherine Sakovich and a senior at Jesuit College Preparatory School; and Matthew Underwood of Colleyville, son of David and Lynne Underwood and a senior at Grapevine High School.

One student received a nomination to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy: Nathan Free of Arlington, son of Mike Free and student a Tarrant County College.

The nomination process begins in the fall of each year. Nominations do not guarantee admittance to the service academies but all of the U.S. service academies, except for the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, require a Congressional or Vice Presidential nomination for admission. Each service academy selects their incoming freshman class from the outstanding students who have received nominations from Members of Congress and/or the Vice President of the United States. On average, the monetary value of each education received at a U.S. service academy values at approximately $250,000.

Students interested in applying for an academy nomination from Congressman Marchant for the Class of 2009 must submit a complete application to Marchant’s office by November 28, 2008. Detailed information on the application process and a copy of the nomination application can be found on Marchant's web site at www.house.gov/marchant or by calling his office at 972-556-0162.

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