(May 9, 2008) Downey – Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard congratulates 20-year-old Downey resident John Haddad on his admission into the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. John earned the prestigious appointment after successfully completing a rigorous 10-month course of instruction at the Preparatory School (NAPS) in Newport, Rhode Island. John is the son of Hussam and his mother, Abeer, Haddad (shown on left). He is a graduate of St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower.

"I am extremely proud of John. He is an exceptional young man who earned admission to one of our nation's most prestigious service academies through his hard work, commitment, and leadership abilities," Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34) said. "I’m certain that John’s self-discipline, strong motivation to succeed and eagerness to serve our country will enable him 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. Military Academy at West Point, New York, 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.