10 Manatee County students gain military appointments
WASHINGTON -- Ten Manatee County students nominated by Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, have been awarded appointments to the nation's military service academies, Buchanan's office announced Friday.
Congress members nominate students for admission every year to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y.; U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.; U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y., according to a press release. Applicants are interviewed and recommended by a nonpartisan service academy board.
"Recommending exceptional students from the Suncoast to our country's military service academies is an honor I do not take lightly," Buchanan said in the release. "Here in Florida's 16th Congressional District, we are fortunate to have so many dedicated and courageous students willing to serve in our armed forces. I look forward to seeing these young men and women flourish in their college education and wish them the best as they begin their military careers."
Students accepted receive a free four-year education in return for a commitment to serve five years active duty after graduation.
The following students received an academy appointment:
U.S. Military Academy: Tyler Dean Abbott, Lakewood Ranch High School and Marion Military Institute; Emiliano Concha-Toro, Saint Stephen's Episcopal School; and Judson Cole Haggard, Sarasota Military Academy and Virginia Military Institute.
U.S. Air Force Academy: Shelby Kate Watson, Palmetto High School; and Matthew William Pelton, Pine View High School.
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy: Garrett Jackson Lawlor, Pine View High School; and Sarah Michelle Weiss, Booker High School.
U.S. Naval Academy: Samuel Heenan Winegar, Pine View High School; Campbell Phoenix Thomas Lee, home schooled; and Gabriel Duremdez Pilones, Allendale Academy.
This story was originally published May 6, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "10 Manatee County students gain military appointments ."