Congresswoman Chellie Pingree has announced her office’s nominees to the United States Service Academies—the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York. To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, applicants must be nominated by an authorized nominating source, which includes Members of Congress.
“This group of students represents some of Maine’s best and brightest. They have all demonstrated exceptional leadership, high academic standards, and a passion for helping others,” said Pingree. “Whatever happens from here, they should all be proud of themselves. We are lucky that they have chosen to offer their talents in service to the country, and it’s an honor to nominate them.”
The nominees were interviewed by a panel of six on their academic record, test scores, leadership ability, involvement in extra-curricular activities, and exemplified commitment to serving their country.
Pingree nominated several students to more than one academy. The full list of nominations is below.
United States Naval Academy
Kayla Eddy, Kittery, Saint Thomas Aquinas High School
Hayden Eilinger, Hollis Center, Southern Maine Community College; Bonny Eagle High School
Maxwell Heathco, Freeport, Freeport High School
Nathan Hersom, Rockland, Oceanside High School
Samuel Jamison, Windsor, Erskine Academy
Owen Kelley, Gorham, Millbrook School
James Mannette, Windham, Windham High School
Dylan Roberts, Cape Elizabeth, Marion Military Institute; Cape Elizabeth High School
Adam Sciretta, Bath, Annandale High School
Timothy Small, South Portland, South Portland High School
Ira Toracinta, Kittery, Saint Thomas Aquinas High School
Edward Vatcher, Kennebunk, Berwick Academy
United States Military Academy
Benjamin Abbott, Winslow, Winslow High School
Emma Begin, Chelsea, U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School; Hall-Dale High School
Kayla Eddy, Kittery, Saint Thomas Aquinas High School
Maxwell Heathco, Freeport, Freeport High School
Samuel Jamison, Windsor, Erskine Academy
Katherine Lopes, Waterville, Waterville High School
Ryan Rosado, Freeport, Freeport High School
Karen Yurek, Bath, Morse High School
United States Air Force Academy
Benjamin Abbott, Winslow, Winslow High School
Courtney Christoforo, Saco, Thornton Academy
Kayla Eddy, Kittery, Saint Thomas Aquinas High School
Toby Foelix, Camden, Purdue University, Lexington High School
Nathan Hersom, Rockland, Oceanside High School
Patrick Hopkins, Winslow, Winslow High School
Jennifer Lorbeski, Richmond, Gardiner Area High School
James Mannette, Windham, Windham High School
Ira Toracinta, Kittery, Saint Thomas Aquinas High School
United States Merchant Marine Academy
Andrew Cloutier, Lyman, Massabesic High School
Patrick Hopkins, Winslow, Winslow High School
Thomas Lawson, Gorham, Stevens Institute of Technology; Cheverus
James Mannette, Windham, Windham High School
Dylan Roberts, Cape Elizabeth, Marion Military Institute; Cape Elizabeth High School
