WASHINGTON, December 14 – Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Congressman Peter Welch (D-Vt.) announced Monday the nominations of 29 Vermont high school students for appointments to the U.S. Service Academies.  Vermonters nominated by the delegation include applicants to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, or the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.  Congressional nominations are required for applications to the prestigious academy programs. Those students offered appointments will receive full scholarships and can graduate as commissioned officers in the military. 
 
Leahy said, “The challenges we face as a nation today require leadership based on integrity, quality education, and critical thinking and decision making skills.  In carrying on our state’s long tradition of service to community and country, these young Vermonters are the best of the best.  Their willingness to serve and develop their full leadership potential is a testament to their families and friends, their schools and our state.”

Sanders said, “I am proud of the Vermonters nominated to the service academies, and they should be proud of their academic accomplishments and commitment to public service.  I am confident that those students who are accepted at the academies and go on to serve their country will be outstanding representatives of Vermont.”

Welch said, “At a young age, the Vermonters we are nominating to our nation’s service academies have already shown a remarkable commitment to their state and their country. Their hard work, dedication and leadership potential speak volumes about them. I commend their desire to give back to their country and I wish them the best of luck.”

Nominees will be notified by the Academies whether they will be offered appointments in early 2010.  Vermonters interested in obtaining service academy nominations can contact Leahy’s office at (802) 229-0569, Sanders’ office at (800) 339-9834, or Welch’s office at 802-652-2450.  The deadline for completed application materials for the class of 2015 is December 1, 2010.

Photos of students available upon request.     
 
2009 NOMINEES FOR U.S. SERVICE ACADEMIES

Mr. James M. Bassette of Hartland (Military Academy)
Parents: John and Donna-Lee Bassette
Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch

Mr. Zachary C. Boyd of Fort Bragg, North Carolina (Military, Air Force, Naval and Merchant Marine Academy)
Parents: Col. Curtis and Carolyn Boyd of Springfield, Vermont
Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch

Mr. Christian W. Brechbuhl of Norwich (Military and Air Force Academy)
Parents: Hans and Ann Brechbuhl
Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch

Mr. Ryan Brady of Springfield (Merchant Marine Academy)
Parents: Julia and John Brady
Nominated by: Welch

Mr. Dillon T. Brennan of Newport Center (Military, Naval, Air Force Academy)
Parents: Jeffery and Paula Brennan
Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch

Ms. Megan E. Cann of Jericho (Naval and Air Force Academy)
Parents: Jerome and Michelle Cann
Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch

Mr. Colt Chauvin of Hyde Park (Military Academy)
Parents: Raymond and Carolyn Chauvin
Nominated by: Sanders, Welch

Mr. Timothy Conway of Enosburg Falls (Military and Air Force Academy)
Parents: Timothy and Suzanne Conway
Nominated by: Sanders, Welch

Mr. Sage V. D’Aprile of Norwich (Naval Academy)
Parents: Frank D’Aprile and Lorraine Klampert
Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch

Mr. Dylan B. Doty of Herndon, Virginia (Military Academy)
Parents: Daniel Doty and Patricia Doty of Swanton Vermont
Nominated by: Leahy

Mr. Grant W. Dubyak of Severna Park, Maryland (Military Academy)
Parents: Capt. William Dubyak and Patricia Dubyak of Bennington Vermont
Nominated by: Leahy

Mr. Christian G. Eckhardt of Underhill (Military Academy)
Parents: Eric and Mary Anne Eckhardt
Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch

Mr. Conor C. Higgins of South Burlington (Air Force Academy)
Parents: Matthew and Sara Higgins
Nominated by: Leahy

Mr. Brian B. Holloway of West Windsor (Naval Academy)
Parents: David and Barbara Halloway
Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch

Mr. Charles W. Johnston of North Ferrisburg (Naval Academy)
Parents: John and Barbara Johnston
Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch

Mr. Jonathan C. Lee of South Burlington (Air Force Academy)
Parents: Michael and Leah Rosenthal
Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch

Ms. Amanda E. Leffler of Enosburg Falls (Air Force Academy)
Parents: Brian Jay and Kristina Leffler
Nominated by: Leahy

Mr. Seth D. Lynn of Jericho (Military and Air Force Academy)
Parents: Sean Lynn and Melissa Archer
Nominated by: Leahy, Welch

Mr. Andrew M. Marcoux of South Burlington (Naval Academy)
Parents: Jonathan and Karen Marcoux
Nominated by: Leahy

Mr. Roger W. Martel of Enosburg Falls (Air Force, Military and Merchant Marine Academy)
Parents: Bernard and Marlene Martel
Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch

Mr. Benjamin J. Martin of Hinesburg (Air Force Academy)
Parents: Stuart and Martha Martin
Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch

Ms. Emily J. McIntyre of Bomoseen (Military, Air Force, and Naval Academy)
Parents: Robert and Mary McIntyre
Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch

Mr. Mateo S. Melendy of Quechee (Naval Academy)
Parents: Mark and Jo Melendy
Nominated by: Leahy, Welch

Mr. Christopher G. Messer of Saint Albans (Military and Naval Academy)
Parents: Richard and Veronica Messer
Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch

Mr. Tyler J. Robitaille of Milton (Naval Academy)
Parents: Joseph and Robin Robitaille
Nominated by: Leahy

Mr. Christopher M. Saylor of Stowe (Merchant Marine and Naval Academy)
Parents: Bob and Deborah Saylor
Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch

Mr. Stefan A. Schmidt of Stratton Mountain (Naval Academy)
Parents: Hans Schmidt and MaryAnne Tarkington
Nominated by: Leahy, Welch

Mr. Matthew M. Sims of Westford (Military Academy)
Parents: Robert and Margie Sims
Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch

Mr. Samuel P. Torney of Shelburne (Air Force)
Parents: Robert and Sally Torney
Nominated by: Leahy