Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) celebrated seven students from Washington’s Third District appointed to U.S. service academies.
The congresswoman hosted a send-off dinner for the appointees and their families, highlighting their achievements and future goals.
“Our service academy appointees and their families have made significant sacrifices. They should be proud of their accomplishments and dedication to defending our freedoms,” said Gluesenkamp Perez. “I’m glad to give them a warm send-off and thank them for their commitment to serving our country. Each of these exceptional students will represent Southwest Washington well, and I’m excited to follow their successes.”
Nominated in January for their outstanding leadership, extracurricular involvement, and academic excellence, the students have accepted their appointments and will begin military training this summer.
Appointees:
Lily Morgan from Tenino is set to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy this fall. During high school, she attended an exchange program in Germany, where she “grew to recognize and appreciate our uniquely American values of individualism and equality.” Lily earned the title of AP Scholar with Distinction in 2022. She also pioneered as a founding member of one of the first Boy Scouts of America troops for girls, contributing over 700 hours to community service projects throughout her Scouting journey.
Cordelia Ashley of Ridgefield will attend the U.S. Naval Academy, following in her father's footsteps, currently a Senior Chief in the U.S. Navy. Her aspiration to become a Naval Officer came about after visiting the Academy in the summer of 2022. At Ridgefield High School, she is the captain of the Track and Cross Country teams, a founding member of the Military Interest Group Club, and a Dance Team inspiration leader. Cordelia also participated in community service throughout Ridgefield.
Jacob Bell of Ridgefield will attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in the fall after graduating from Ridgefield High School. He is student council President, a Ridgefield’s varsity golf team leader, and a rodeo competitor. He has served as the Treasurer of his school’s National Honor Society chapter and volunteered with several organizations.
Joseph Blanshan from Vancouver will attend the U.S. Air Force Academy after five years in the Civil Air Patrol, during which he earned his FAA private pilot certificate. He has competed in state and national cross-country and track championships. He was the National Honor Society President at La Center High School before transferring to Seton Catholic College Preparatory High School.
Roxanne Casey of Woodland is set to attend the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, a goal she has pursued since she was eight. With five years of experience as a U.S. Naval Sea Cadet, she became Chief Petty Officer. At Cedar Tree Classical Christian School, she led the Varsity Mock Trial Club to the state competition. She dedicated volunteer work with Toys for Tots and her efforts to assist a community affected by forest fires during her spring break.
Ethan Freund of Kelso will attend the U.S. Air Force Academy after completing a year at the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School. He has taken advanced coursework, and served as the team captain at Kelso High School’s wrestling team for three years.
Jacob Peay of Battle Ground High School is heading to the U.S. Air Force Academy. To prepare, he joined the United States Air Force Junior ROTC program at his high school, where he excelled in leadership, service, and academics. He also joined the Air Force Junior ROTC Flight Academy, where he earned his private pilot's license. Jacob holds a black belt in Taekwondo and has served as an instructor. He aspires to join the astronaut program, aiming to serve his country by reaching new heights.
Applications for the class of 2025 are now open until November 12, 2024.
Students with aspirations of serving the country and are interested in applying for a service academy should begin the application process in their junior year of high school.
More information about the application is available on Gluesenkamp Perez’s website.
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JnNwmn
Since Congresswoman Gluesenkamp Perez voted against reducing Student Loan debt and also voted to censure a Democrat member of Congress, maybe enough Republicans will vote for her to stay in office.
Tuesday, July 9 Report this
Olywelcomesall
Thank you Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez for highlighting the aspirations of these fine young people. I appreciate the way you are honoring their work to be appointed to one of our nation’s service academies .
Tuesday, July 9 Report this