Congresswoman Jean Schmidt has nominated 29 residents of Ohio’s Second Congressional District for acceptance by four of our nation’s military academies.

At least one nominee could be accepted by each institution: the Army’s U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y.

All members of Congress may nominate up to 10 candidates per opening.  There’s no guarantee that more than one nominee will be accepted by each academy. Academies usually make appointments by March 31.

“The academies look for individuals who are well-rounded academically, physically, and socially,” Congresswoman Schmidt said. “The ideal candidate will have demonstrated leadership qualities, community service, athleticism, scholarship, and a strong desire to serve in the military as an officer. Those selected commit to serving in the military for at least five years after graduation.”

In April, the congresswoman hosted an information night in the Brown County village of Ripley for high school students interested in seeking her nomination.

Those who later applied were interviewed last month at Congresswoman Schmidt’s Cincinnati office by two Air Force Academy graduates, a West Point graduate,  and a Navy lieutenant commander. The congresswoman’s nominations were based on the panel’s recommendations.

Congresswoman Schmidt held a reception Tuesday, Nov. 20, at her Cincinnati office to recognize the following nominees and their families:  

 U.S. Military Academy at West Point (Army)

Clermont County: David Trate of Loveland, a student at Loveland High School; and Jarod Wolfe of Williamsburg, a student at Clermont Northeastern High School.

Hamilton County:  Michael Khamis of Cincinnati, a student at Turpin High School in Anderson Township; Dale Lakes of Cincinnati, a student at Summit Country Day School; John McCormick of Cincinnati, a student at Walnut Hills High School; and Michael Plitt of Loveland, a student at Loveland High School.

Warren County:  Andrew Bergman of Morrow, a student at Moeller High School in Kenwood; Alexander Kuvin of Loveland, a student at St. Xavier High School in Finneytown; Ryan Lyons of Mason, a student at William Mason High School; and Andrew Mendel of Mason, a student at Moeller High School.

U.S. Air Force Academy

Clermont County: Benjamin McDonough of Batavia, a student at Batavia High School; and Nicholas Twine of Batavia, a student at the University of Cincinnati.

Hamilton County: Isabel Englehart of Cincinnati, a student at Summit Country Day School; Mitchel Hoelker of Cincinnati, a student at Moeller High School; William Shanley of Cincinnati, a student at St. Xavier High School; and Matthew Krott of Cincinnati, a student at Ohio State University.

Warren County: Alaina Kappner of Maineville, a student at Kings High School; and Kajler Rask of Oregonia, a student at Utah State University.

U.S. Naval Academy

Clermont County: Nicholas Bailey of Loveland, a student at St. Xavier High School.

Hamilton County: Samuel Bascom of Madeira, a student at Madeira High School; Ariel Cohen of Cincinnati, a student at Walnut Hills High School; Tanner Hawk of Loveland, a student at Loveland High School; Tanner Huskey of Blue Ash, a student at Miami University; Zachary Hutmier of Cincinnati, a student at the Massanutten Military Academy; and George Koglmeier of Mariemont, a student at Mariemont High School.

Warren County: Daniel Kurtzahn of Kings Mills, a student at Kings High School; and Wyatt Thomas of Lebanon, a student at Lebanon High School.

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

Brown County: Holly Van Keuren of Georgetown, a student at the New Mexico Military Institute.

Warren County: Duane Sowers of Oregonia, a student at Clinton-Massie High School.