Press Releases
December 11, 2008
Conrad Selects Best & Brightest for Military Academies
Senator Nominates Seven North Dakota Students for Appointments
Washington – Senator Kent Conrad announced today that he has nominated seven North Dakota students for appointments to the nation’s prestigious service academies.
From a highly qualified group of candidates, Senator Conrad awarded principal nominations to: Simon Fisher of Fargo and Jasper Barlich of Minot for the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Col.; Christian Heller of Beulah, David Molash of Fort Yates and Brett Anderson of Crosby for the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.; and Jonathan Powell of Surrey and Connor Griffin of Fargo, for the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y.
The armed service academies require potential students to be nominated by either a member of Congress or the Vice President as the first step in a long application process. Final appointments are determined by the academies, selecting from a nationwide list of nominees. Once accepted, the students are given scholarships to the distinguished educational institutions as well as a full military appointment.
“I’m proud to nominate these students to our military academies. These young men and women are some of the best and the brightest. They are a credit to both North Dakota and our nation,” Senator Conrad said.
Those students nominated by Senator Conrad include:
• Simon Fisher, 19, U.S. Air Force Academy
A sophomore and Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) student at NDSU, Simon is active as a tutor and has volunteered with a number of organizations throughout Fargo. In his application essay, Simon wrote, “Being a citizen…is not something I take lightly…by attending the United States Air Force Academy, I can give back to the people who have sacrificed so much for me.”
• Jasper Barlich, 18, U.S. Air Force Academy
Jasper’s leadership role in Junior Air Force ROTC and his father’s own military career has prepared him for the demanding academic, physical, and emotional demands of the Air Force Academy. He was honored with the Outstanding Achievement Award for maintaining a 3.96 GPA at Magic City Campus.
• Christian Heller, 17, U.S. Naval Academy
Christian is ranked second in his class academically at Beulah High School and has maintained a 4.0 GPA. In addition to his high academic standing, Christian has received a number of leadership awards and has been honored by the North Dakota chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America.
• David Molash, 18, U.S. Naval Academy
At the top of his class, David has maintained a 3.75 GPA, and serves as captain of his high school football team. He is a member of the National Honor Society and Talented and Gifted Program. Since the age of eight, David has been a student of Taekwondo and recently earned his black belt and a trip to Seoul, South Korea in April 2009.
• Brett Anderson, 18, U.S. Naval Academy
Brett serves as President of North Dakota’s Future Business Leaders of America, maintains a 4.0 GPA, and plays high school hockey, basketball and football. In his application essay, Brett wrote, “This is my opportunity to fulfill my responsibility as a citizen of the United States.”
• Jonathan Powell, 17, U.S. Military Academy at West Point
Near the top of his class academically, Jonathan is also active in athletics, serving as captain of his football team. Military service runs deep in Jonathan’s family. He hopes to follow in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, both of whom served in the active military.
• Connor Griffin, 18, U.S. Military Academy at West Point
Raised in a military family, Connor is an accomplished musician, plays competitive soccer and runs track. He also sits on the Fargo North Student Council, is a member of the National High School Honors Society and participated in the Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine.
To learn more about service academy nominations, please visit Senator Conrad’s Web site at http://conrad.senate.gov/services/academy.html
