Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today released the names and photos of her nominations to the U.S. Military Service Academies for classes entering Summer 2017. After an exhaustive application and interview process, she nominated twenty-two students from across Hawaii’s Second Congressional District. Their applications are now being considered for final selection by the United States Military Academy at West Point, the United States Naval Academy, and the United States Air Force Academy.
“Across Hawaiʻi, high school seniors will soon begin gearing up for graduation, summer plans, and either beginning college, serving in our military, or entering the work force. A select few will be enrolling in one of the U.S. Military Service Academies, and I’ve had the privilege and great responsibility of nominating twenty-two phenomenal applicants to represent our Aloha State in service to our country. I wish each of these nominees the very best in the final weeks of the selection process and in their promising futures,” said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard.
The nomination application period opens May 15th of each year for candidates who are high school juniors and will be seniors the following school year, or who have already graduated. Nomination does not guarantee an appointment. The honor of attending a Military Service Academy comes with the obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. More information about the nominations process is available here.
The following students from Hawaii’s Second Congressional District were nominated by Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard to the corresponding military academy / academies below (photo available for download by clicking the nominee’s name).
HAWAIʻI ISLAND RESIDENTS
Mr. Lawrence Barrett – Air Force Academy, Military Academy
Konawaena High School
Mr. Ragan Leslie – Naval Academy
Konawaena High School
Ms. Anh-Thu Pham – Naval Academy
Lake Braddock (Virginia)
Ms. Jennifer Serrano-Gervais – Military Academy, Naval Academy
Hilo High School
KAUAʻI RESIDENTS
Mr. Kainalu Gandia – Military Academy
Kapa’a High School (Class of 2016)
Mr. Devon Hartsell – Military Academy
Waimea High School
Ms. Maia Alexis Young – Air Force Academy
Waimea High School (Class of 2016)
MAUI RESIDENTS
Mr. Trendon Delray – Air Force Academy
Maui High School
Mr. Caleb Soo Hoo – Air Force Academy
Baldwin High School
Mr. Harlie Stone – Air Force Academy, Military Academy, Naval Academy
Haleakala Waldorf
OʻAHU RESIDENTS
Ms. Keeanna Andres – Naval Academy
Kamehameha School
Mr. Nicholas Balabis – Military Academy, Naval Academy
Kalaheo High School
Ms. Cagla Brennan – Military Academy
ʻIolani High School
Mr. Anthony Corey – Military Academy
Kalaheo High School
Mr. Farrel Ekau – Air Force Academy
Kamehameha School
Mr. Cheyne Fergusson – Air Force Academy, Naval Academy
Waialua High School
Mr. Kainoa Gnos – Air Force Academy
Le Jardin Academy
Mr. Christopher Jenkins – Air Force Academy, Military Academy
Kamehameha School
Mr. Michael Mossman – Naval Academy
Christian Education Institute (Class of 2016)
Mr. Sergei Scharer – Air Force Academy
Saint Louis High School (Class of 2016)
Mr. Peyton Sommer – Military Academy, Naval Academy
Punahou School
Ms. Fely Vacek – Naval Academy
Kapolei High School