One of the greatest honors a young high school graduate can receive is nomination and admittance into one of our military's prestigious academies. Congresswoman Claudia Tenney has announced her 2017 nominees for admittance to these institutions.

Tenney says, "As the mother of a 2013 Naval Academy graduate, I know how life changing and fulfilling attending a service academy can be. Our region has a long tradition of service to our great nation and the Service Academies provide a unique opportunity for those looking to continue this important legacy. It is an incredible honor to help make this unique opportunity a reality for our next generation of leaders here in the 22nd District."

From the 22nd Congressional District of New York, nine local students were nominated for admittance. Those nominees are,

United States Air Force Academy
John Gabor, Cazenovia High School

United States Merchant Marine Academy
Christopher DeLage, Homer High School

United States Military Academy
Connor Gage, Little Falls High School
Megan Neuman, Syracuse University

United States Naval Academy
Giana Gigliotti, Thomas R. Proctor High School
Connor Hathaway, DeRuyter High School
Emmalyn Smith, Brookfield High School
Keegan Steele, Whitesboro High School
Ryan Svitak, Whitesboro High School

Congresswoman Tenney was not alone in her decision making process. There were 11 members of the Academy Selection Committee and one of those members is retired Marine Corps. Colonel and attorney, Paul Sweeney. Sweeney says, "As a retired Colonel of Marines, I was very impressed by the commitment, academic performance and enthusiasm of the applicants this year.  I believe the Nation will be well served by the future officers whom Congresswoman Tenney has nominated following this competitive process."

Congratulations to these nine young people and best wishes to them as they continue the admittance process.

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