Congressmen Hosting Event Saturday at Prince William VFW for Appointees & Parents

Congressman Gerry Connolly will hold a reception Saturday at VFW Post 1503 for the 49 high school seniors from Virginia’s 11th Congressional District who have received appointments this year to the U.S. service academies.

Connolly’s appointments to the service academies are chosen through a rigorous selection process conducted by a 12-member advisory board composed of current military officers and graduates of the service academies.  All advisory board members reside in Northern Virginia.

Of the 49 high school seniors appointed to the service academies, 19 will attend the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, 12 will attend the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, 13 will attend the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, and five will attend the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point.

“I am proud to announce that once again the 11th CD is sending a large number of young men and women to our nation’s service academies,” Connolly said.  “This distinction is a credit to the hard work and achievements of all those who were selected to attend these prestigious institutions of higher learning and to the quality of our school systems in Fairfax and Prince William.  I wish each and every one of them the best of luck as them embark on their exciting and challenging futures.”

Connolly also praised and thanked the members of his service academies advisory board.  “I thank every member of my advisory board for the many hours they spent this year reviewing applications, interviewing applicants, and participating in deliberations to choose the most qualified candidates for appointment to the service academies.  I am grateful for their support and dedication to this important task.”