October 28, 2016

Manchin Announces Service Academy Nominations

Recommends 40 students from 17 counties-Berkeley, Boone, Cabell, Greenbrier, Harrison, Jefferson, Kanawha, Mason, Mineral, Monongalia, Monroe, Ohio, Pocahontas, Preston, Putnam, Raleigh, and Wirt

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) announced today that he will nominate 40‎ West Virginia students from 17 counties to the U.S. service academies, which include the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point.

Senator Manchin is nominating the students after reviewing the recommendations made by a seven-member Service Academy Selection Board that convened on October 17-19.  The Board is comprised of West Virginians who have served in the military or who are educators. The Board interview process ensures that candidates have met the needed qualifications and criteria.

“It is such an honor to recommend ‎40 ‎of West Virginia’s brightest young men and women to the U.S. service academies,” Senator Manchin said. “All of our students worked hard to earn these nominations and are determined to serve our country. Many are also striving to carry on their families’ proud military heritage. Today, I join all West Virginians in congratulating these hardworking and committed students, because a nomination to one of our elite service academies will develop these young men and women to become our next generation of military leaders.”

“I also thank my Service Academy Selection Board, who interviewed every candidate. The students go through a rigorous interview process with my office so the nominees are really among an elite group of West Virginia students. I am confident that these young men and women will serve our state and country well in their future endeavors.”

Senator Manchin is recommending the following students to the service academies. Final admission is determined by the respective academy.

Air Force Academy

William R. Sellers                  Wheeling Park High School, Ohio County

Robert M. Warner                  University High School, Monongalia County

Andrew J. Panzarella              Jefferson High School, Jefferson County

Bryce N. Graley                      WV Technology, Putnam County                

Erin E. Leslie                          USAFA Prep, Greenbrier County

Ava C. Ratcliff                       Huntington High School, Cabell County

Andrew R. Henthorn              St. Albans High School, Kanawha County

Jacob P. Fisher                        Home Schooled , Berkeley County

Jaret K. Brown                        West Virginia University, Putnam County

Sarah D. Leslie                       USAFA Prep, Greenbrier County

Military Academy at West Point

Antonella C. Blanco               James Monroe High School, Monroe County

Bethany F. Blankenship         Riverside High School, Kanawha County

Fisher A. Rector                     Bridgeport High School, Harrison County

Zachary A. Kimble                 Bridgeport High School, Harrison County

Cole D. Amos                         Bridgeport High School, Harrison County

Aaron C. Flowers                   University High School, Monongalia County

Tyler F. Owens                       Potomac State at WVU, Pocahontas County

Drew A. Adams                      Wirt County High School, Wirt County

Danielle A. Burdette               Musselman High School, Berkeley County

Dalton Bolyard                       Preston County High School, Preston County  

Naval Academy

Alexander A. Altenburg         Notre Dame High School, Harrison County

Luke K. Knollinger                Wheeling Park High School, Ohio County

Joshua D. Greear                    South Charleston High School, Kanawha County

Sebastien L. Morel                 Hedgesville High School, Berkeley County

Aislyn M. Hayman                 Point Pleasant High School, Mason County

Nickolas J. Elekes                  West Virginia University, Berkeley County

Clay P. Havens                       James Monroe High School, Monroe County

Haden R. Miller                      Bridgeport High School, Harrison County

Kayla D. Foley                       Massanutten Military Academy, Raleigh County

Devan J. McKinney                US Army Reserves, Boone County 

Merchant Marine Academy 

Hamilton K. Fletcher             St. Albans High School, Kanawha County

Jackson T. Carpenter              Washington High School, Jefferson County

Kenneth Tyler Evans              New Mexico Military Institute, Raleigh County

Grant D. McVicker                 Nitro High School, Kanawha County

Madison Dyke                        Greater Beckley Christian School, Raleigh County

Christopher B. Harris             Capital High School, Kanawha County

Alivia C. Sherry                     Capital High School, Kanawha County

Seth A. Coleman                    Keyser High School, Mineral County

Matthew A. Liller                   Keyser High School, Mineral County

Cole D. Pancake                     Keyser High School, Mineral County

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