Washington, D.C.—Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va.) has nominated 15 West Virginia students to United States service academies including the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S Military Academy, and the Merchant Marine Academy. 

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

“These students are the future leaders of America,” said Rep. McKinley. “To earn this nomination they have excelled both inside and outside the classroom and shown strong leadership potential. Their hard work and exemplary character make me proud to be a West Virginian.”

“These young men and women have a strong desire to serve their country,” said McKinley. “I wish them the best for the future and look forward to seeing what they accomplish.”

The following students were nominated by Rep. McKinley based on their academic performance, extracurricular activity in their school and community, and personal recommendations:

Alexander Baumgartner (Parkersburg) attendedParkersburg High School and graduated 7^th in his class.  Alexander was a member of the Key Club, ran cross country, and played soccer. He is planning to enroll at West Virginia University at Parkersburg. Nominated to U.S. Military Academy at West Point and U.S. Air Force Academy.

Nicholas Cheuvront (Parkersburg) attends Parkersburg High School. While maintaining a challenging course load of Advanced Placement classes, Nicholas has been active in Scouting and community service. He is an all-state member of the track team, runs cross country, and is on the PHS swim team.  Nominated to U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy.

Issac “Ike” Childers (Fairmont) attends Fairmont Senior High School. He is active in student government and is a member of the National Honor Society. Issac was named 1^st Team All-State in soccer and plays basketball.  Nominated to U.S. Air Force Academy.

Ethan Goldcamp (Morgantown) attends Morgantown High School. Ethan is ranked in the top ten percent of his class and has excelled as a leader in student government and Boys State. He plays football and was selected as captain of the lacrosse team.  U.S. Military Academy at West Point and U.S. Naval Academy

Hanna Hill (Parkersburg) attends Parkersburg High School. She has earned a high GPA while taking a heavy load of AP classes. Hanna has taken on leadership roles in a variety of organizations at her school and in Parkersburg, while also playing basketball and volleyball. Her sister currently attends West Point. Nominated to Merchant Marine Academy and U.S. Naval Academy.

Hunter Hill (Parkersburg) attends Parkersburg High School. Hunter has been active in his church and community service organizations, and has served as captain of his soccer team for the last two seasons. In the classroom Hunter has maintained good grades and was named to the Principal’s List for the past three years. Nominated to Merchant Marine Academy and U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Shandy Kuzava (Salem) attends Liberty High School in Harrison County. He has participated in Boys State and is a Flight Commander with the Civil Air Patrol. Shandy also runs track and cross country. Nominated to U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and U.S. Naval Academy.

Jacob Morgan (Grafton) attends Grafton High School. He has been a leader in a number of activities including student body government, drama, music, and athletics. Jacob attended the Naval Academy Summer Seminar and is ranked in the top ten percent of his class. Nominated to U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Naval Academy, and Merchant Marine Academy.

Nicholas Musgrave (Parkersburg) graduated from Parkersburg High School in 2013 and currently attends Hastings College in Nebraska. He is an Eagle Scout, is an editor on his college newspaper and has worked on political campaigns. Nominated to U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Seth Porter (Wheeling) attends Wheeling Park High School. He is a member of the National Honor Society and has been recognized for his excellence in math and science. Seth has participated in Boys State and is active in the theater and music programs at Wheeling Park. Nominated to U.S. Naval Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, and U.S. Air Force Academy.

Dominic Raymond (Morgantown) attends Trinity Christian High School in Morgantown where he is ranked first in his class. Dominic has been a leader in his student government and participated in Boys State and the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership program. He was also selected as captain of the basketball team. Nominated to U.S. Air Force Academy.

Sallie Samolitis (Walker) attends Parkersburg High School. Sallie comes from a family with deep military roots. She is pursuing her black belt in Tae Kwon Do and is a member of the PHS band. Nominated to U.S. Naval Academy.

John Terosky IV (Parkersburg) attends Parkersburg High School. He is in the top 10% of his high school class while carrying a course load with 10 AP classes. John is active in Scouting and is in the process of completing his Eagle Scout project. Nominated to U.S. Naval Academy.

Brady Watson (Ridgeley) attends Frankfort High School in Mineral County. Brady has excelled on the playing field as a four-year letterman on the Frankfort football team, which was runner up in the Class AA finals this year. He also lettered in basketball and track. He is a member of the National Honor Society and ranks in the top 10% of his class. Nominated to U.S. Naval Academy.

Mitchell Winkie (Bridgeport) attends Bridgeport High School. Mitchell is ranked first in his class and is active in Boys State, student government, and Civil Air Patrol. He is co-captain of the two-time state AA Championship Bridgeport football squad. Nominated to U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy.