DOVER, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons today announced his U.S. Service Academy nominations for the Class of 2019. Three students have earned the Senator’s principal nomination and will be offered academy appointments should they meet all medical, physical and academic requirements. Senator Coons has also submitted the names of 17 additional outstanding young Delawareans for consideration. Senator Coons also nominated 7 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.”

Principal Nominees:

  • United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland:
    • Principal Nominee: Jonathan Maurer of Magnolia, Caesar Rodney High School 
  • United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado:
    • Principal Nominee: Matthew Oliver of Newark, Charter School of Wilmington
  • United States Military Academy at West Point, West Point, New York:
    • Principal Nominee: Thomas Spell IV of Hockessin, Kennett High School

 Alternate Nominees:

  • Luke Borda of Wilmington, Tower Hill School
  • Sean Devine of Wilmington, Archmere Academy
  • Abidas Girardi, Jr. of Millsboro, Virginia Military Institute
  • Natalie Glascock of Dover, Dover High School
  • Ryan Hersch of Wilmington, Conrad School of Science
  • Amy Horney of Newark, Virginia Military Institute
  • Jonathan Mendez of Newark, Salesianum School
  • Thomas Ott of Lewes, Naval Academy Preparatory School
  • Stefano Pineda of Hockessin, Charter School of Wilmington
  • Matthew Santacecilia of Wilmington, Salesianum School
  • Robert Shiflet of Camden, Caesar Rodney High School
  • Nicole Simpson of Smyrna, Smyrna High School
  • Seung Son of Frankford, Indian River High School
  • Sama Tima of Middletown, Mount Pleasant High School
  • Matthew Wiegner of Middletown, Delaware Military Academy
  • Jarod Wilson of Newark, Newark High School
  • Jackson Zolper of Rehoboth Beach, Cape Henlopen High School

 United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point:

  • Charles Balback, III of Wilmington, Delaware Military Academy
  • Joseph Czajkowski of Smyrna, Delaware Military Academy
  • Natalie Glascock of Dover, Dover High School
  • Matthew Kane of Lewes, University of South Carolina
  • Cameron Palmer of Wilmington, Charter School of Wilmington
  • Devin Vitella of Milton, Cape Henlopen High School
  • Matthew Wiegner of Middletown, Delaware Military Academy

Senator Coons’ Service Academy Selection Board interviewed each applicant and made recommendations to the Senator. The Board, appointed by the Senator, is comprised of: Col. Karen Berry, Ted Fischer, Ron Frazier, Heath Gehrke, Scott Kessel and Wanda Lopez.

“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.”

For additional information regarding service academy nominations, visit www.coons.senate.gov/learn/academies.  

###