Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22) announced that nine local students have been nominated for admission to the United States Service Academies.
“As the mother of a 2013 Naval Academy graduate, I know how life changing and fulfilling attending a service academy can be. Our region has a long tradition of service to our great nation and the Service Academies provide a unique opportunity for those looking to continue this important legacy. It is an incredible honor to help make this unique opportunity a reality for our next generation of leaders here in the 22nd District,” said Congresswoman Claudia Tenney.“The standards for admission to the Service Academies are rigorous and each of these students have shown the dedication, tenacity and integrity necessary to serve our nation in this role. I would also like to thank the members of Academy Selection Committee for their invaluable knowledge and work in selecting this outstanding group of students.”
Members of Rep. Tenney’s Academy Selection Committee interviewed the academy candidates and reviewed their backgrounds. Nominees were then selected by the board based on a number of factors including leadership skills, character, academic achievements and motivation.
The Nominees to the U.S. Service Academies for 2017 are as follows:
United States Air Force Academy
- John Gabor, Cazenovia High School
United States Merchant Marine Academy
- Christopher DeLage, Homer High School
United States Military Academy
- Connor Gage, Little Falls High School
- Megan Neuman, Syracuse University
United States Naval Academy
- Giana Gigliotti, Thomas R. Proctor High School
- Connor Hathaway, DeRuyter High School
- Emmalyn Smith, Brookfield High School
- Keegan Steele, Whitesboro High School
- Ryan Svitak, Whitesboro High School
Members of Rep. Tenney’s Academy Selection Committee include:
- COL Paul Sweeney
- Mr. Albert Eaton
- COL Ben Margolius
- Brigadier General Phil Tennant
- The Honorable Pat Perfetti
- Mr. Chris Kendall
- CMDR Robert Piper
- Mr. Orrin MacMurray
- Mr. Les Lebrecque
- Mr. Bradley Trudell
- Ms. Christine Gregory
Quotes from the Academy Selection Committee are as follows:
“It was an honor to meet all of these young men and women whose accomplishments and motivation to serve is so inspiring. The parents should be very proud of the job they have done raising these fine young people,” said attorney Christopher Kendall from Hamilton.
“As a retired Colonel of Marines, I was very impressed by the commitment, academic performance and enthusiasm of the applicants this year. I believe the Nation will be well served by the future officers whom Congresswoman Tenney has nominated following this competitive process. It is an honor and a pleasure to serve on her Military Academy Committee,” said Paul Sweeney, attorney from Binghamton, New York.
“The quality, maturity and character were particularly evident in the candidates who came before the committee this year. The selection process was very difficult because the students were so well qualified. I truly believe that these young adults represent some of the very best that the country has to offer and we should all feel both proud and thankful for their desire to serve,” said Mr. Les Labrecque, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and father of a Military Academy graduate.
“It is an honor and high responsibility to advise Representative Tenney on candidates to attend our Military Academies and lead our armed forces in the future,” said Orrin B. MacMurray, Col. USA (Ret).
“As a 27-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, I greatly appreciate Congresswoman Tenney putting her faith in me to serve on the Academy Selection Committee. It’s an honor to help select the talented group of nominees and I look forward to working with these students throughout the application process,” said Cortland County District Attorney Patrick Perfetti.