Etheridge Nominates Local Students to Nation's Service Academies

RALEIGH - U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) today announced that he has nominated students from the 2nd Congressional District to the nation's service academies, the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado; and the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Etheridge honored the nominees at a reception this week.

"These students represent the very best of North Carolina and, indeed, of the nation," Etheridge said. "These students' parents, teachers and communities can be proud of what these young men and women have already accomplished and they can look forward to continued success. Throughout their lives, these young people have shown a love of country, a dedication to excellence and a desire to serve. I am proud to nominate each and every one for service to our country."

Nominees must still meet each academy's standards to be offered appointment. Students at the nation's service academies receive full, four-year scholarships and become commissioned officers upon graduation. Applicants must complete a series of applications, exams and tests to test their potential in academics, athletics, leadership and service. All students must be nominated by one of their U.S. senators, their congressman, or the Vice President to be eligible for admission. High school juniors interested in applying for a service academy nomination should write to Rep. Bob Etheridge at 225 Hillsborough Street, Suite 490, Raleigh, NC 27603 or call 1-888-262-6202.

Cumberland County

Etheridge nominated Louis Alexander Gonzalez of Spring Lake to the U.S. Air Force Academy and Anita Raquel Salas of Fort Bragg to the U.S. Military Academy. Gonzalez is a senior at Western Harnett High School where he participates in Junior ROTC, Beta Club, Science Club and Relay for Life. Salas is the daughter of Joe and Cathy Salas and is a senior at Terry Sanford High School.

Harnett County

Etheridge nominated Christopher Aaron Nowiski of Linden to the U.S. Military Academy and Cameron Bruce West of Dunn to the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Military Academy, where he was recruited to play baseball. Nowiski is the son of Charles and Terry Nowiski and is a senior at Northwood Temple Academy in Fayetteville. West is the son of Danny and Audrey West and is a senior at the Ravenscroft School in Raleigh.

Chatham County

Etheridge nominated Sarah Jeneece Johnson of Siler City to the U.S. Military Academy. Johnson is a senior at Jordan Matthews High School.

Johnston County

Etheridge nominated Sean Christopher Raffaele Keener of Clayton to the U.S. Military Academy. He is the son of Calvin and Wende Keener and a senior at Clayton High School.

Nash County

Etheridge nominated Joshua Robert Austin of Middlesex to the U.S. Naval Academy and Christopher Richard Worsinger of Battleboro to the U.S. Naval Academy. Austin is the son of Dan Lory and is a senior at Green Hope High School in Cary. Worsinger is the son of Richard and Nancy Worsinger and is a senior at Northern Nash High School.