U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV) announced that Melissa Carson, of Summersville, has been appointed to the United States Naval Academy, Merchant Marine Academy and West Point..

"It is with great pleasure that I announce a future leader from Southern West Virginia, Melissa Carson, has been appointed to three of our Federal service academies," Rahall said. "It is such an impressive honor to be nominated to one Academy, and for Melissa to be appointed to three is truly a testament to her hard work as a young person and great potential in the future. Melissa will learn to sound the certain call of honor and duty whether she decides to attend the Naval Academy, Merchant Marine or West Point."

The U.S. Service Academies combines a top education with a military command. Students major in a variety of subjects, from the sciences to the humanities. When they graduate, they are given an officer's commission. Melissa was nominated by Congressman Rahall, and each Academy independently chose her as part of the select group of students to be offered an appointment.

"At the service academies, young West Virginians can become the officers who lead our fighting forces to victory," Rahall said. "The leadership skills the academies teach guide former cadets and midshipmen for the remainder of their lives. Melissa will certainly represent our state well and make West Virginia proud."