DOVER, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons today announced his U.S. Service Academy nominations for the Class of 2017. Four students have earned 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 as well, Senator Coons has also submitted the names of an additional 25 outstanding young Delawareans for consideration. Senator Coons also nominated ten individuals to the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
“Nominating these gifted young men and women to the U.S. Service Academies is a sincere honor and a responsibility that I take very seriously,” Senator Coons said. “The next few years will be challenging – academically, mentally and physically – but I am confident in their ability to rise to the challenge and to come through this experience well-equipped to join the ranks of America’s finest military officers.”
Nominees:
United States Naval Academy, Annapolis
Principal Nominee: Haley Wahrhaftig of Bear, Appoquinimink High School
United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs
Principal Nominee: Asher Bovankovich of Newark, Delaware Military Academy
United States Military Academy, West Point
Principal Nominee: Anne Reidinger of Wilmington, St. Marks High School
Principal Nominee: Jacob Mocci of Lewes, Cape Henlopen High School
Alternate Nominees:
Bowman Benge of Hockessin, Wilmington Friends School
Carey Blackwell of Bear, The Tatnall School
Patrick Boyd of Wilmington, Salesianum School
Nathan Buxton of Wilmington, Charter School of Wilmington
Ian Cain of Georgetown, Sussex Central High School
Christopher Clifton of Bridgeville, Sussex Technical High School
Patrick Coleman of Smyrna, Polytech High School
Matthew Conlin of Lewes, St. Thomas More Academy
Madelyn Crimmins of Millsboro, Valley Forge Military Academy
Nicholas DeLissio of Middletown, St. Thomas More Academy
Joshua Elliott of Laurel, Delmar High School
Albert Green of Millsboro, Sussex Technical High School
Aaron Greenbaum of Wilmington, Tower Hill School
Darnell Jones of Dover, Polytech High School
Peter Kolakowski of Dover, Caesar Rodney High School
Michael McLaughlin of Newark, Salesianum School
Aiden O’Sullivan of Wilmington, Salesianum School
Bryan Panaccione of Newark, St. Marks High School
Jack Partlow of Middletown, Caravel Academy
Eric Polk of Newark, Cab Calloway School of Arts
Jessica Ringer of Hartly, Caesar Rodney High School
Michael Scott of Townsend, Middletown High School
Dylan Varrato of Georgetown, Sussex Technical High School
Donald Wiegner of Middletown, Delaware Military Academy
Joseph Yawn of Laurel, Sussex Technical High School
United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point:
Patrick Boyd of Wilmington, Salesianum School
Matthew Conlin of Lewes, St. Thomas More Academy
Kees Elling of Ocean View, Indian River High School
John Hearn of Lewes, Sussex Technical High School
Micheal Miller of Lewes, Cape Henlopen High School
Connor Orton of Lewes, Cape Henlopen High School
Aidan O’Sullivan of Wilmington, Salesianum School
Michael Scott of Townsend, Middletown High School
Donald Wiegner of Middletown, Delaware Military Academy
Joseph Yawn of Laurel, Sussex Technical High School
Senator Coons’ Service Academy Selection Board interviewed each applicant and made recommendations to the Senator. The Board, appointed by the Senator, is comprised of:
Capt. Emily Arthur
LTC Karen Berry
James Brown, Esq.
Ted Fischer
Scott Kessel
Wanda Lopez
Jonathon Stolson
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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