Students’ completed nomination application forms must reach Ryan’s Janesville office by November 1, 2002.

WASHINGTON, DC – First District Congressman Paul Ryan today reminded high school students in the First Congressional District who are interested in applying for nominations to the U.S. Air Force, Military, Naval, or Merchant Marine Academies that his Janesville office must receive their applications by November 1, 2002. Ryan said that candidate evaluations will begin in the near future and will be based on test scores achieved on the SAT or ACT, class rank, grade point average, school records, extracurricular activities, leadership potential, motivation, recommendations, and interviews.

"The U.S. service academies have a long, proud tradition of rigorous academic standards and leadership training. I urge students in our area who are interested in serving our country through the military to consider applying to one of these excellent schools," Ryan said. "No question, the demands are high. Competition for acceptance to the academies is intense, and – once there – students are continually challenged. But, as a result, graduates come away well prepared to serve their country with honor."

In light of the approaching November 1 deadline for nomination application forms, Congressman Ryan encourages young men and women interested in attending any one of the academies to submit their applications as soon as possible.

Students interested in attending a U.S. service academy must have a nomination from an authorized nominating source. Members of Congress are authorized to nominate candidates, as are the President, Vice President, and the Secretaries of the Army, Navy and Air Force. Students seeking a nomination from Ryan should contact his office by calling toll-free 1-888-909-RYAN (7926). Nomination forms are available through Ryan’s office or on his congressional website at http://www.house.gov/ryan/academy. Completed nomination application forms must reach Congressman Ryan's Janesville office by the November 1, 2002 deadline, for the class entering in June 2003.

*** Special note: Students should not send their nomination application materials to Ryan’s Washington, D.C. office. Mail deliveries for congressional offices in Washington are still greatly delayed due to required security procedures (irradiation).

Students should send their applications to Ryan’s Janesville office, attn: Chad Herbert. The address and phone number for this office are listed below:

Applicants for academy nominations from Congressman Ryan must be:

• citizens of the United States and residents of the First Congressional District of Wisconsin,
• at least 17 years of age and must not have passed their 23rd birthday on July 1, 2003,
• unmarried and have no legal obligation to support children or other dependents.