Irving, TX -- U.S. Rep. Kenny Marchant (TX-24) held a ceremony on Saturday at his district office in Irving to honor the 2007-08 appointees of the nation’s five esteemed military service academies.

Each appointee was a resident of District 24, the congressional district Marchant represents. Families and friends accompanied the appointees at the ceremony. High school juniors interested in learning more about the service academies were also in attendance. 

The crowd of over one-hundred heard remarks from the congressman and also had a chance to speak with representatives from the service academies.
 
Marchant spoke to the students about the prestige of an academy appointment and offered optimistic remarks about their upcoming journey.
 
“For the young adults who are soon to start their journey at a service academy, I look out at you and see the future of our nation. Some of you will lead troops, run businesses, create new technologies, build infrastructure, practice medicine, and stand for elected office. However, no matter your personal future entails, your singular decision to attend a Service Academy will prepare your intellect and character for all obstacles that come your way.”
 
Academy appointees in attendance included William Mayne of Coppell (U.S. Military Academy), Alayna Payne of Southlake (U.S. Military Academy), Julia Stallard of Colleyville (U.S. Military Academy), Jason Stiles of Coppell (U.S. Military Academy), William “Max” Blue of Carrolton (U.S. Naval Academy), Marcus Curry (represent by mother, Joan) of Carrolton (U.S. Naval Academy), Steven Ellington of Irving (U.S. Naval Academy), Samuel Eng of Grapevine (U.S. Naval Academy), Courtney Vandament of Coppell (U.S. Naval Academy), Blake Wilson of Hurst (U.S. Naval Academy), Austin Bracy of Southlake (U.S. Air Force Academy), Michael Cecero of Southlake (U.S. Air Force Academy), Sarah Evans of Farmers Branch (U.S. Air Force Academy) and Kevin Mitchell of Grapevine (U.S. Air Force Academy).
 
Acceptance to a service academy is based on a rigorous application and interview process that includes a desire to serve one’s country, leadership skills, high academic performance, extracurricular activities, community service, and athletic aptitude.
 
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.

###