Rep. Culberson announces service academy appointees

Pictured are this year's service academy appointees.

Twelve students from Texas' 7th District have accepted appointments to one of the U.S. service academies.

"Each year I am honored to nominate the best of the best to our nation's prestigious service academies," said Rep. John Culberson in a press release. "The United States Military Academy at West Point was established by President Thomas Jefferson in 1802. Jefferson believed the price of freedom was eternal vigilance. Today, we boast the most powerful and advanced military the world has ever known. The young men and women that dedicate their lives to service are among the most honorable and brave. I commend this year's class and wish them the very best in their training and service to our great nation."

The U. S. government operates four service academies to train students to become officers in the armed forces and Merchant Marines. Three are operated by the Department of Defense. The Merchant Marine Academy is operated by the Department of Transportation. Students attend academies prior to completing required military service.  

This year's appointees from the 7th Congressional District are: Johnathan Eno, Langham Creek High School; Erica Lewandowski, Jersey Village High School; and Travis Ryan, Episcopal High School from the U.S. Air Force Academy; Kathryn Quandt, Houston Christian High School and Steven Doan, Bellaire High School from the U.S. Naval Academy; Mariah Caid-Loos, Lamar High School; Marissa Caid-Loos, Lamar High School; Travis Peterson, Cypress Lakes High School; and Brock Davidson, Memorial High School from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point; John Wesely, Strake Jesuit College Preparatory School; Zachary Zalomski, Cy Falls High School; and William Gerrit Porter, Lamar High School from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

Nominations for the class of 2017 are open to all men and women who are residents of the 7th District, at least 17 years old but have not passed their 23rd birthday and will graduate high school by July 1, 2013. Candidates must meet minimum scholastic standards, pass a physical aptitude test and a medical fitness examination.

Students who would like to apply should send a written request to Rep. Culberson's office, 10000 Memorial Drive, Suite 620, Houston. The deadline is Oct. 15. Interviews will be conducted on Dec. 1.

For more information, visit culberson.house.gov.