U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV) announced his nominations of students from West Virginia’s Third Congressional District to the U.S. Service Academies for the freshman class entering in fall 2008. The students’ applications are now being considered by the academies, where final selections will be made.

"I am encouraged by the drive to succeed adn the eagerness to serve our Nation expressed by this year's nominees," said Rahall. "It is truly an honor to nominate such outstanding young West Virginians to the U.S. Service Academies. The leadership skills the academies teach will guide these students for the rest of their lives."

Each year U.S. Senators and Representatives make nominations to four of the service academies: the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado; the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, New York; the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, New York; and the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland. The academies then select from the students nominated. Congressional nominations are not required for students attending the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.

To be eligible for Congressman Rahall's nomination, each student submitted an application and references and met certain scholastic requirements. A nomination does not guarantee acceptance. Those wishing to apply for future nominations should contact Congressman Rahall's office in Beckley, West Virginia.

Rahall made the following nominations:

U.S. Military Academy

* Lauren A. Carson, Summersville, WV
* Brett Phillips, Wyoming County, WV

U.S. Naval Academy

* Lauren A. Carson, Summersville, WV
* Gary G. Gilbert, III, Huntington, WV
* Brett Phillips, Wyoming County, WV

U.S. Air Force Academy

* Matthew S. Hensley, Cool Ridge, WV
* Joseph A. Gramling, Beckley, WV
* Brett Phillips, Wyoming County, WV
* Ryan Roop, Cool Ridge, WV

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

* Lauren A. Carson, Summersville, WV