Press Releases

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today announced that Emma Huifang Richard of North Yarmouth has accepted an offer to attend the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. Pingree nominated Emma to the Academy in December.

“Acceptance to a U.S. service academy is extremely competitive and reflects highly on a student’s scholarship, community service, and character,” said Pingree. “Along with all the other Maine students I nominated, Emma has demonstrated an incredible commitment to serving the country and a maturity well beyond her years. I’m very proud that she was accepted to the Air Force Academy and wish her the very best in her time there.” 

“I was adopted from China when I was eleven months old and brought to the U.S. as a naturalized citizen,” Emma wrote in her letter requesting a nomination. “I have always wanted to give back to my country and repay everything I’ve been given.  How fortunate I am that I can do this through the military. In joining, I can return what I believe I owe while protecting and defending this great nation.” 

Emma is a senior at Greeley High School. Her parents are Sandra and David Richard. Contact information is available on request. 

To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, applicants must be nominated by an authorized nominating source, which includes Members of Congress.

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