Congressman Kevin McCarthy today announced his nominations to the United States Service Academies. Nominees were selected in a competitive process in which a number of highly qualified 22nd Congressional District high school and college students applied for consideration. Congressman McCarthy designated one principal nominee for each academy that will fill one of five slots afforded to him as a Member of Congress at each academy. He also nominated competing alternates for each academy that will be ranked according to their competitiveness by the Academy Admission Board and selected for admission at the academy's discretion.

"Our communities are filled with some of the brightest young people in the nation, and I am always proud of the number of students who want to dedicate their lives to serve our nation," said Congressman McCarthy. "Each and every nominee exudes the characteristics of honor, integrity and courage and I am glad to be able to nominate them."

The following students received a principal nomination from Congressman McCarthy:

United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO:

Jason Linderman, 17, of Bakersfield, California attends Independence High School in Bakersfield. He is a two-sport athlete in wrestling and swimming and served as captain for both teams. He is also section leader for the Falcon Marching Band. Jason is considering majoring in aeronautical engineering while at the academy. In addition to receiving the principal nomination at the United States Air Force Academy, he also received a competing alternate nomination to the United States Naval Academy.

United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD:

Alexandria Baker, 17, of Bakersfield, California attends Stockdale High School. Alexandria plays the marimba in the Mustang drumline. She has served in various volunteer positions and is currently a branch teller at the Kern Schools Federal Credit Union branch at the Stockdale High School campus. She plans on studying nuclear or mechanical engineering while at the academy.

United States Military Academy, West Point, NY:

Curtis Valencia, 17, of Bakersfield, California attends Independence High School. He is a drum major for the Falcon Marching Band and member of the Ford Dream Builders. He has participated in cross country for three years and was a Falcon Cheerleader his sophomore and junior year. Curtis is considering law and aspires to enter the Judge Advocate General's Corps. He has an identical twin brother, Tyler, who received a competing alternate nomination to the United States Naval Academy. The academy has offered Tyler a Letter of Conditional Appointment. This guarantees an offer of appointment after the remaining admissions requirements have been fulfilled and a nomination has been received.

United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY:

Tyler Dawson, 19, of Arroyo Grande, California, attends Northwestern Preparatory School, in Lake Arrowhead, California. Northwestern Prep is a school that was created to train students to gain entrance into one of the Service Academies. While in high school, Tyler played football and baseball and served as captain on both teams.

For more information on these candidates or to learn how to contact them, please contact the Bakersfield District Office at: 661-327-3611.

Each candidate was interviewed by Congressman McCarthy's Academy Interview Committee and the selections were submitted to the Congressman. The 2011 Academy Committee Members are: Cam Martin of Tehachapi, External Affairs, NASA and parent to two Naval Academy graduates; Colonel Douglas Jaquish of Edwards, Vice Commander, Air Force Flight Test Center, Edwards Air Force Base, 1987 Naval Academy graduate; Jeanne Radsick of Bakersfield, Realtor at Century 21 and mother of a local service member; and Pat Preston of Bakersfield, retired principal at Liberty High School in Bakersfield and former teacher/head football coach at Bakersfield High School.

The following students received competing alternate nominations from Congressman McCarthy:

United States Air Force Academy (USAFA):

United States Military Academy (USMA):

United States Naval Academy (USNA):

United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA)

This year, the Naval Academy offered a Letter of Conditional Appointment to several exceptionally qualified candidates who completed an early Admission Board Review. This guarantees an offer of appointment after the remaining admissions requirements have been fulfilled and a nomination has been received. The following three students received this letter and a nomination from Congressman McCarthy:

Special Recognition:

Austin Daniel Wiemann, 17, of North County Christian School in Atascadero, California has received a Presidential Nomination to both the United States Naval Academy and the United States Air Force Academy. He has accepted an offer of appointment to the Naval Academy. While an unlimited number of nominations are available in this category, only 100 appointments can be offered each year. Austin follows his brother, John Paul, who received a Presidential Appointment last year to the United States Naval Academy.