Washington, D.C. – Congressman David B. McKinley, P.E. (WV-1) has nominated 15 West Virginia students to United States service academies including the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Military Academy, and the Naval Academy.

A Congressional nomination is the first step in a process toward appointment to a military academy. Nominated students must also meet the strict admission requirements of the academies to earn an appointment.

“These students who have earned this nomination have demonstrated an enormous amount of leadership potential both inside and outside the classroom. Their dedication to our country and to serving others should make all of us proud to be West Virginians. These young Mountaineers each have an enormous amount of potential and I am looking forward to seeing what they can accomplish,” said McKinley.

Nominees:

Alexander Altenburg (Clarksburg) attends Notre Dame High School. While maintaining a challenging course load of Advanced Placement classes, Alexander has received a varsity letter in soccer, cross country, baseball, and basketball. He is active in the Civil Air Patrol and won the Civil Air Patrol Eaker Award in 2015. Nominated to U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, and U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Cole Amos (Bridgeport) attends Bridgeport High School. Cole excels in psychology and literature and was a player on the state champion football team. Cole is a volunteer at the Union Mission and a local nursing home. He is also a member of the Drug Free Club, the Student Council, and the Future Business Leaders of America. Nominated to the U.S. Military Academy.

Dalton Bolyard(Thornton) attends Preston High School. Dalton has been an impressive athlete for Preston High School, winning varsity letter for football, basketball, and lacrosse. Dalton gives back to his community by volunteering for the local VA Medical Hospital, St. Patrick’s Church, and the Mannington Senior Center. Nominated to the Naval Academy and U.S. Military Academy.

Brette Geary(Follansbee) attended Brooke High School. Brette was the Captain of the Brooke High School soccer and softball teams and a recipient of the National Youth Leadership Award. She is a volunteer firefighter and first responder and member of the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps at the University of South Florida. Nominated to U.S. Naval Academy.

Aaron Flowers (Morgantown) attends University High School. Aaron is an Eagle Scout Senior Patrol Leader and Troop Guide and is a member of Order of the Arrow. He is a national jr. competitor for the UHS rifle team, plays football, and lacrosse. Nominated to U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, and U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Zachary Kimble (Bridgeport) attends Bridgeport High School. Zachary is a varsity letter winner in both football and track and field and when he is not playing sports he is serving as the President of the French Honor Society. He is actively involved in the Drug Use Prevention Group, the FBI Youth Academy, and the Student Council. Nominated to the Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, and U.S. Military Academy.

Luke Knollinger(Valley Grove) attends Wheeling Park High School. Luke is a four year letter winner for the school hockey team and team captain of the rifle club. He was the winner of the Wheeling Boys Home fishing tournament and is currently a member of the National Honor Society. Nominated to the Naval Academy.

Zachary Kovalski(Wheeling) attends Wheeling Park High School. Zachary is a member of the Astronomy Club, the Writing Club, and is currently working on becoming an Eagle Scout. He excels in world history, is a member of the school marching band and is a four year member of the Science Bowl Team. Nominated for the Naval Academy.

Ryan McCord (Maidsville) attends University High School. Ryan is an honor student in English, biology, algebra, history, and physical science and an all-star lacrosse player who was a member of his high school state’s champion team of 2014. He is a member of the Key Club, Chess Club, and National Honor Society. Nominated to the Naval Academy.

Hayden Miller(Bridgeport) attends Bridgeport High School. Hayden is a varsity letter winner for basketball and baseball and has served as Class President. He spends much of his time volunteering for the Clarksburg Mission, WV Flood Relief, and the Bridgeport Little League Challenger Division. Nominated to the Naval Academy.

Andrea “Andi” Queen(Ridgeley) attends Frankfort High School. Andrea is a member of the Frankfort High School varsity cross country team and served as the co-captain her senior year. She is the Club Secretary for the National Honor Society and is a member of the Rocketry Club. Nominated to U.S. Naval Academy.

Fisher Rector(Bridgeport) attends Bridgeport High School. Fisher competed in the AA State Championship and Regional & Big 10 Championship for track and field, as well as the AA State Championship for cross country. He is active in the community and received a Proclamation and Key to the City of Bridgeport, and recognition as Citizen of the Month in July 2016. Nominated to U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

William Sellers (Wheeling) attends Wheeling Park High School. William excels in physics, biology, statistics, and history and has received a total of nine Varsity letters for competing with the cross country, track and field, and swimming teams. He is a member of the National Honor Society, the Officer School Club, and will soon be completing his Eagle Scout project. Nominated to the Air Force Academy.

Alia Stutzman(Morgantown) attended Courtland High School in Virginia and is currently attending WVU where she is majoring in chemical engineering. In high school she excelled in physics, calculus, world history, and was a member of the marching band and the National German Honor Society. Nominated to the Naval Academy.

Robert Warner(Morgantown) attends University High School. Robert excels in mathematics and science and placed first in the Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics and Science Competition – Jr. Division in 2013 and 2014. He is currently serving his second year on the Monongalia County Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council and is on the UHS Mylan Leadership Grant Committee. Nominated to U.S. Military Academy at West Point.