(Hartford, CT) - Today, Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) announced the names of the young men and women he has nominated to four of the nation’s U.S. service academies.

“These impressive young leaders are stepping forward to serve, and assure that our nation has the armed forces it needs to fight for our freedoms and democracy,” said Blumenthal. “I'm proud to nominate some of the next greatest generation – smart, tough, dedicated men and women who are volunteering to risk and commit all. I thank them and their families for their service.”

Each year, Members of Congress can nominate candidates for appointment to four of the nation’s U.S. service academies: The U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York. Graduates are commissioned as officers in the active or reserve components of the military or Merchant Marine and serve for a minimum of five years.

Senators are allowed a maximum of five appointees to each academy at one time. Nominees are chosen by Blumenthal’s nonpartisan Selection Committee made up of service academy graduates and retired military personnel.

Blumenthal’s 36 nominees for the Class of 2017 are listed below:

U.S. Military Academy

Kaden Batzinger, Wallingford
Lyman Hall High School

Zachary Bodner, Ridgefield
New York Military Academy

Patrick Coyle, Ansonia
Emmett O’Brien Technical High School

Matthew Favazzo, Norwalk
Norwalk High School

Colin Moore, Avon
Avon High School

Christopher Murphy, Woodstock
Trinity-Pawling School, NY

Umberto Ocasio, Torrington
Torrington High School

Zachary Royal, Bethany
Amity High School

John Sheehy, New Milford
Canterbury School

Mackenzie Thompson, Shelton
Shelton High School

U.S. Naval Academy

Blaise Boullianne, Brookfield
Brookfield High School

James Calcagini, Darien
Marine Military Academy

Louis Hiza, Canton
Canton High School

Stephen LeBreton, Greenwich
Greenwich High School

James Manganiello, Old Greenwich
Greenwich High School

Maria McGeary, Bolton
East Catholic High School

Robert Motley, Woodstock
Pomfret School

Matthew Parrino, New Canaan
New Canaan High School

Annelise Steele, Greenwich
The Dalton School

Daniel Ziebell, Milford
Jonathan Law High School

U.S. Air Force Academy

Zachary Clement, Ledyard
Three Rivers Community College

Julia Davis, Sandy Hook
Westover School

Dane Grauer, Danielson
Killingly High School

Amber Hill, Windsor Locks
Windsor Locks High School

Daniel Lyons, Madison
Daniel Hand High School

Christopher Masi, North Haven
North Haven High School

Emily Troelstra, Westport
Staples High School

Merchant Marine Academy

James Colella, New Fairfield
New Fairfield High School

Kristin Conneely, Monroe
Masuk High School

Peter Fahan, Simsbury
Kent School

Robert Harris, Hartford
University High School of Science Engineering

Gregory Matunas, Marlborough
RHAM High School

Connor McMahon, Norwich
Norwich Free Academy

Jaden Reale, Coventry
Coventry High School

Andrews Rogers, Tolland
Tolland High School

Brendan Welsh, Washington
Shepaug Valley High School