DOVER, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons today announced his U.S. Service Academy nominations for the Class of 2022. 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 23 additional outstanding young Delawareans for consideration. Senator Coons also nominated 10 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: Nicholas Graham of Wilmington, Delaware Military Academy
  • United States Air Force Academy,  Colorado Springs, Colorado
    • Principal Nominee: Robert Vadnais of Newark, St. Mark’s High School
  • United States Military Academy at West Point, West Point, New York
    • Principal Nominee:  Alyssa Spell of Lewes, Cape Henlopen High School

Alternate Nominees:

  • Alex Angell of Selbyville, Sussex Technical High School
  • Ellen Banker of Wilmington, Padua Academy
  • Elise Buonopane of Wilmington, Delaware Military Academy
  • Rachel Carlton of Newark, Caravel Academy
  • Kathryn Certesio of Newark, Delaware Military Academy
  • Madison Cook of Camden, Caesar Rodney High School
  • Michael Devine of Wilmington, Archmere Academy
  • Steven Ferrandino of Dover, Caesar Rodney High School
  • Grace Lombardi of Bear, Red Lion Christian Academy
  • Mary McCann of Hockessin, Charter School of Wilmington
  • Dylan Norman of Seaford, Seaford High School
  • Aidan O’Connor of Wyoming, Caesar Rodney High School
  • Cooper Pampuch of Wilmington, Delaware Military Academy
  • Jack Windham of Dover, St. Thomas More Academy
  • Jacob Wandless of Magnolia, Polytech High School
  • Jack Whittam of Lewes, Cape Henlopen High School
  • Andrew Zimmerman of Magnolia, Caesar Rodney High School

United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point:

  • Alex Angell of Selbyville, Sussex Technical High School
  • Kevin Bryan of Wilmington, Delaware Military Academy
  • Kathryn Certesio of Newark, Delaware Military Academy
  • Markus Cook of Bear, Delaware Military Academy
  • Helen Davis of Dagsboro, Indian River High School
  • Michael Devine of Wilmington, Archmere Academy
  • Chris Trentham of Middletown, Delaware Military Academy
  • Jacob Wandless of Magnolia, Polytech 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:  Karen Berry, Ron Frazier, Heath Gehrke, Larry Henigan, Scott Kessel, Fran Mahon and Terry Wright.

“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.