(April 2, 2008) Downtown, Los Angeles – Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34) congratulates Boyle Heights resident Lizet Gallardo on her appointment into the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. Lizet earned the prestigious West Point appointment after successfully completing a rigorous 10-month course of instruction at the United States Military Academy Preparatory School (USMAPS) in Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. Lizet graduated last year from Francisco Bravo Medical Magnet High School in Boyle Heights.

“I am very glad I came to the West Point preparatory school. I am now much more prepared for West Point,” Lizet said. “Thank you congresswoman for the nomination.”

"I am extremely proud of Lizet. She is an exceptional young Latina who earned admission to one of our nation's most prestigious service academies through her hard work, commitment, and leadership abilities," Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34) said. "I’m certain that Lizet’s self-discipline, strong motivation to succeed and eagerness to serve our country will enable her to become a fine commissioned officer and leader that our community and nation can be proud of."

Every year, Congresswoman Roybal-Allard nominates qualified students from her district for admission to the service academies, which also include the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at King’s Point, New York. Successful applicants receive a free four-year college education in exchange for a commitment to serve five years as a commissioned officer in the military following graduation.

To inform prospective students about the application process, Congresswoman Roybal-Allard hosts one annual service academy workshop every Fall. The workshop features service academy representatives and current cadets who meet with prospective students to answer questions about the academies. The application process includes obtaining a nomination from an official source, which is typically the student’s U.S. Senator or U.S. Member of Congress. Congresswoman Roybal-Allard’s priority deadline for the class entering in 2009 is November 1, 2008. The nomination application and additional information can be obtained by visiting the congresswoman’s web site at www.house.gov/roybal-allard and by clicking the “Student Section” or by calling Juan Carlos-Aviles in the congresswoman’s district office at (213) 628-9230.