Congressman Gerry Connolly will hold a ceremony and reception Sunday to recognize 49 students from Fairfax and Prince William Counties in the 11^thCongressional District who will be entering the military service academies in the fall.  Thirty of the 49 students along with their parents will be in attendance.

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, 27 will attend the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, eight will attend the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, 13 will attend the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, and one will attend the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point.

“I am proud to announce that once again the 11^thCD 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.”

WHAT:  Military Service Awards Reception

WHEN:  Sunday May 15, 2011, 3 to 5 pm

WHERE:  American Legion Post 176, 6520 Amherst Avenue, Springfield, VA

Addressing the group will be Congressman Gerry Connolly, Cadet Matthew Nielson (USMA), Commander Jennifer Lednicky (USNA), and Matt Brooks (former USMA admissions officer).

The press in invited to attend.  Call George Burke at 202-503-7756 for more information.