WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) recently announced his nominees to the U.S. service academies for the Class of 2017. After a thorough examination process in which his office reviewed numerous applications, Hinchey selected 21 local high school students whom he believes would excel at the U.S. Air Force, Military, Naval and Merchant Marine Academies.
"It is my privilege to put forward the names of 21 students who represent the very best of what our part of New York has to offer," said Hinchey. "Throughout my career in Congress, I have had the opportunity to nominate hundreds of area residents for our nation’s service academies. These individuals have excelled in scholastics, physical fitness and extracurricular activities. I wish them all the very best with the rest of their application process. Their willingness to serve should make us all proud."
In addition to academics, fitness and extracurricular activities, professional recommendations and a personal interview were also considered in the process. The process is highly competitive and the admissions departments of the service academies make the final decision on acceptance.
Hinchey’s nominees are listed by academy:
Air Force Academy
• Ashley Torres of Newburgh, Newburgh High School
• James Zock of Montgomery, Valley Central High School
• Jesse Sparling of Saugerties, Saugerties High School
• Jacob Sells of Endicott, Union-Endicott High School
• Kenneth Burkus, of Vestal, USAF Prep School
Military Academy
• David Nicholas of Johnson City, Johnson City High School
• Tucker Osarczuk of New Paltz, New Paltz Central High School
• Lincoln Kelly of New Paltz, New Paltz Central High School
• Emily Beecher of New Paltz, New Paltz Central High School
• Patrick Riley of Newburgh, Our Lady of Lourdes High School
• Patrick Ortland of Newburgh, Newburgh High School
• Zachary Walminski of Wallkill, Our Lady of Lourdes High School
• Matthew Tamburri of Newburgh, Marlboro High School
• Tyler Allen of Endicott, Marion Military Institute
• Mark Duviella of Newburgh, New York Military Academy
Merchant Marine Academy
• Maria Range of Middletown, Pine Bush Central High School
Naval Academy
• Daniel Guarnaccia of Poughkeepsie, Poughkeepsie High School
• Tina Alberts of Newburgh, Newburgh Free Academy
• Colin Lyons of Kingston, Kingston High School
• Eric Beresheim of Saugerties, Saugerties High School
• John Reese of Endicott, Union-Endicott High School
