Congressman Jack Kingston - First District of Georgia

Congressman Jack Kingston (R-GA) announced today students in the First Congressional District of Georgia have received nominations to United States Service Academies. The students were interviewed for consideration into the Class of 2016 by Congressman Kingston and the Military Academy Board. Interviews were conducted at Bethesda Home for Boys in Savannah.  

The nominated students are:  

Deidra Stillwagoner of Woodbine, a senior at Camden County High School, Has received a Congressional Nomination to the Naval and Military Academies. Deidra is the daughter of Harvey and Tammy Stillwagoner. She was inspired by the examples of leadership she has experienced.

Austin-John Fordham of Baxley, a senior at Appling County High School, Has received a Congressional Nomination to the Naval Academy. Austin is the son of Dr. Tonya and Patrick Fordham. He was inspired by his ROTC instructor, Colonel Carl Pilot.

Zachary Adams of Baxley, a senior at Wayne County High School, Has received a Principal Congressional Nomination to the Naval Academy. Zachary is the son of Jean and Forrest Adams, GA. He is inspired by his parents. 

James Tradd Stephens of Richmond Hill, a senior at Richmond Hill High School, received a Congressional Nomination to the Merchant Marine Academy. James is the son of Barbara and Hugh Stephens, Jr. He was inspired by his father’s character.

Isaac Taylor of Richmond Hill, a senior at Richmond Hill High School, Has received a Congressional Nomination to the Military Academy. Isaac is the son of Dr Aimee and Ronald Taylor, GA. He was inspired by his parents.

Kenneth Katzman of Richmond Hill, a Cadet at Air Force Academy Prep School and Graduate of Savannah Christian Preparatory School has received a Congressional Nomination to the Naval Academy. Kenneth is the son of Jaylen and Robert Katzman, Jr. He was inspired by his parents.

 Barry Draper III  of St. Marys, a Senior at Camden County High School, Has received a Congressional Nomination to the Naval Academy. Barry is the son of Delinda Crocker and Barry Draper II. He was Inspired by his grandfather, former Army Private First Class Larry Dyal.

 Harrison Liu of Savannah, a senior at– Herschel V Jenkins High School, received a Congressional Nomination to the Air Force Academy. Harrison is the son of Regina and Ying Liu of Savannah, GA. He is inspired by Lt Gregg of the Civil Air Patrol.

Randolph “R.K.” Kent Barker II of Savannah, a senior at Millard North High School, received a Principal Congressional Nomination to the Military Academy. Randolph is the son of Denise and Randolph Barker, GA. He was inspired by his personal role model, Brian Blew, who attended the Air Force Academy.

Alex Johnson of Savannah, a senior at Herschel V Jenkins High School, received a  Congressional Nomination to the Military Academy. Alex has received the highest honor of an early appointment to the US Military Academy. He is the Son of Stacie Wong and Dr. Robert Johnson, GA. Alex was inspired by his parents.

Daniel Pinyan III of Savannah, a senior at Savannah Christian Preparatory School, Has received a Congressional Nomination to the Military Academy. Daniel is the Son of Lisa and Daniel Pinyan, Jr. He was inspired by the impressive education offered at the US Service Academies.

 Michael Tanner of Douglas, a senior at Coffee High School, Has received a Congressional Nomination to the Naval Academy. Michael is the son of Julie Bass and John Tanner, Jr. He was inspired by his father and uncle and their service to the United States Navy.

 Heather Brissey of St. Simons Island, a graduate of Glynn Academy, received a nomination for the Merchant Marine Academy. “I would really appreciate a nomination because my brother is currently serving in the Merchant Marine Academy and he has inspired me to become the same type of leader.”

 Patrick Driscoll of St. Simons Island, a senior at Glynn Academy, received a Congressional Nomination to the Naval Academy. Driscoll is the son of Ellen Kuehm and Philip Driscoll.

William Murray of Brunswick, a senior at Glynn Academy, received a Congressional Nomination to the Merchant Marine Academy. William is the son of Lauren and James Murray. He was inspired and encouraged by his parents and credits them for setting the example.

 Hunter Gillon of Ft. Stewart, a senior at First Presbyterian Christian Academy, received a Principal Congressional Nomination to the Air Force Academy. Hunter is the son of Amy and Gary Gillon, Jr. of Ft. Stewart, GA. He is inspired by his father and his service to his Country in the US Army.

 Sam Peters of Valdosta, a senior at Lowndes County High School, Has received a Principal Congressional Nomination to the Naval Academy. Sam is the son of Joanna and Gregory Harbin, GA. He was Inspired by his stepfather Mr. Gregory Harbin and his service to the Country. 

 Lee Bailey of Ludowici, a senior at Wayne County High School, Has received a Congressional Nomination to the Naval Academy. Lee is the son of Deloris and Jack Bailey. He was inspired by his uncle who is serving in the United States Coast Guard.

 “I commend these students for not only their nomination but also for the hard work and dedication that they have expressed towards their country,” said Congressman Kingston. “I am confident that the leadership skills and education that you receive will prepare you for all future endeavors.”

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