Buchanan Announces Service Academy Nominations

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan announced his nominations to four U.S. Service Academies. Each year, members of Congress nominate high school seniors for admission to the U.S. Air Force, Merchant Marine, Military and Naval academies. Unlike the other service academies, the Coast Guard Academy does not require a congressional nomination for admission.

“We are fortunate to have so many qualified and talented students willing to serve in our armed forces,” Buchanan said. “Each nominee is deserving of the privilege of attending one of our nation’s prestigious service academies and will represent our community well. I wish each of my nominees luck throughout the remainder of the selection process.”

Applicants who meet strict qualifications are interviewed and recommended by a non-partisan Service Academy Board appointed by the Congressman.  The following nominees were chosen by the board: 

Manatee County:

• New Gate High School student Matthew Bogard of Lakewood Ranch was nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Naval Academy.
• Manatee High School student Lauren Conner of Bradenton was nominated to the U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy.
• Lakewood Ranch High School student Brandon Gadeken of Bradenton was nominated to the U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy.
• Braden River High School student Benjamin French of Parrish was nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Naval Academy.
• IMG Academy student Cody Gross of Bradenton was nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy.
• St. Stephen’s Episcopal School student Darragh Harkin of Bradenton was nominated to the U.S. Military Academy.
• St. Stephen’s Episcopal School student Camden Vining of Bradenton was nominated to the U.S. Military Academy.

Sarasota County:

• Sarasota Military Academy student Dante Aletto of Sarasota was nominated to the U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy.
• Pine View School student Liam Collins of Sarasota was nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy.
• Sarasota Virtual School student Brian Garcia of Sarasota was nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy.
• Riverview High School student Luke King of Sarasota was nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Naval Academy.
• Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School student Anna Klemeyer of Sarasota was nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy.
• Pine View School student Thomas Kochevar of Sarasota was nominated to the U.S. Military Academy.
• Homeschooled student Eli Martin of Sarasota was nominated to the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy.
• Sarasota Military Academy student Juliana Rendle of Sarasota was nominated to the U.S. Military Academy.
• Sarasota Military Academy student Aeryn Sachs of Sarasota was nominated to the U.S. Military Academy.
• Pine View School student John Stainbrook of Osprey was nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy.

Hillsborough County:

• Homeschooled student Savannah Crone of Riverview was nominated to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
• Dr. Earl J. Lennard student Hunter Anderson of Apollo Beach was nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Naval Academy.
• East Bay High School student Tyler Harris of Riverview was nominated to the U.S. Military Academy.
• Newsome High School student Leslie Peterson of Lithia was nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy.
• Newsome High School student Erik Pfaffenbichler of Lithia was nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

The nominations are forwarded to the service academies where they will be evaluated based on their academic and extra-curricular record, leadership skills, physical stamina and other requirements.