DOVER, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons today announced his U.S. Service Academy nominations for the Class of 2016.  Four nominees — or top candidates — have secured the Senator’s nomination and will be offered academy appointments should they meet all medical, physical and academic requirements.  Because appointments are often offered to many qualified alternate nominees, Senator Coons has also submitted the names of an additional 15 outstanding young Delawareans for consideration. 

“I am extremely honored and proud to nominate these gifted young men and women to the U.S. Service Academies,” Senator Coons said.  “The next few years will be challenging – academically, mentally and physically – but I am certain that they will rise to the challenge and come through this experience well-equipped to join the ranks of America’s fine military officers.”

Senator Coons’ four principal nominees and competitive alternates are:

United States Naval Academy, Annapolis 

Principal Nominee: Dylan Miller of Wilmington, Salesianum School

Principal Nominee: Benjamin Wattay of Smyrna, Smyrna High School

United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs  

Principal Nominee:  Kimberly Albanese of Harrington, Woodbridge High School

United States Military Academy, West Point

Principal Nominee: Daniel Goodman of Wilmington, Concord High School

Competitive Alternate Nominees

Michael Aleixo of Wilmington, Archmere Academy

Thomas Clark of Clayton, Smyrna High School

Madelyn Crimmins of Millsboro, Sussex Technical High School

Anthony Cuesta of Dover, Dover High School

Bryson Deane of Wilmington, Mercersburg Academy

Joseph Gonski of Selbyville, Valley Forge Military Academy

Ryan Meyer of Newark, Salesianum School

Nicholas Price of Magnolia, Caesar Rodney High School

Jane Saunders of Bethany Beach, Naples American School

Jung Son of Frankford, Indian River High School

Dylan Spence of Newark, University of Delaware

Robert Volm of Harrington, Milford High School

Joshua Shepherd of Dover, Campus Community School

Beau Warrington of Milford, Sussex Technical High School

Kassiya Yarovoy of Newark, Tall Oaks Classical School

Senator Coons also nominated eight individuals to the United States Merchant Marine Academy.

 

United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point

Michael Aleixo of Wilmington, Archmere Academy

Joseph Capodanno of Newark, New Mexico Military Institute

Bryson Deane of Wilmington, Mercersburg Academy

Ryan Mock of Lewes, Cape Henlopen High School

Jung Son of Frankford, Indian River High School

Robert Volm of Harrington, Milford High School

Beau Warrington of Milford, Sussex Technical High School

Sean Wissler of Newark, New Mexico Military Institute

In the fall, Senator Coons appointed a Service Academy Selection Board that interviewed each applicant, and made recommendations to the Senator. The Board consists of representatives from New Castle, Kent and Sussex Counties and is comprised of:

Capt. Emily Arthur

LTC Karen Berry

James Brown, Esq.

Ron Frazier

Scott Kessel

Wanda Lopez

John Stolson

Christine Thornberg

LTC Rita Wiley

“I am deeply grateful to the members of my Service Academy Selection Board for volunteering their time to interview the talented Delawareans who wanted to serve their country,” Senator Coons said. “Their counsel was invaluable, and I appreciate their service.”

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