Buchanan submits academy nominations

Each year, members of the House and Senate nominate senior high school students for admission to the U.S. Air Force, Merchant Marine, Military and Naval Academies. Applicants who meet strict qualifications are interviewed and recommended by a non-partisan service academy board appointed by the congressman.

Congressman Vern Buchanan revealed today his nominations to the four academies.

“Here in Florida’s 13th Congressional District, we are fortunate to have so many driven and courageous students willing to serve in our armed forces,” Buchanan said. “Each of the nominees is deserving of the privilege of attending one of our nation’s service academies. But only a handful of students from across the country will be admitted. I wish each of my nominees the best of luck throughout the remainder of the selection process.”

The nominations will be forwarded to the service academies and evaluated based on academic and extra-curricular records, leadership skills, physical stamina and other requirements.

The following Sarasota students were nominated by Buchanan’s U.S. Military Service Academy Board:

Regis Bigness, North Port High School, for the U.S. Military Academy

Brian Chippendale Jr., Pine View High School, for the U.S. Air Force Academy

John William Conlon, Sarasota Military Academy, for the U.S. Naval Academy

Hayley Samara Hanes, Sarasota High School, for the U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy

Alyssa Rosemary Heere, Sarasota High School, for the U.S. Naval Academy

Lauren Marie MacKinnon, Cardinal Mooney High School, for the U.S. Naval Academy

Michael Steven Martino, Sarasota Military Academy, for the U.S. Military Academy

Jordan Christopher Romecki, Cardinal Mooney and Florida State College, for the U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy

John James Villotti, Sarasota Military Academy, for the U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy