Soto Announces 12 Appointments to U.S. Service Academies from Central FL
U.S. Congressman Darren Soto is proud to announce 12 students from Central Florida's Congressional District 9 have received and accepted appointments to U.S. Military Service Academies, well above the average number of appointments from congressional districts.
"We are so proud of our students from Central Florida who have shown outstanding leadership and commitment to service," stated Rep. Darren Soto. "It has been my honor to recommend such deserving young men and women to the prestigious U.S. Military Service Academies. I also want to extend my congratulations to the families, schools' faculty and staff, and everyone in our community who have helped raise such stellar leaders. I have no doubt our students will represent Central Florida honorably and make our country proud. Our military will continue to be the most powerful in the world thanks to its bright future servicemembers. Congratulations to all of you!"
The honor of attending a service academy comes with the obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. The nomination process is highly competitive and requires Congressional nomination. Rep. Darren Soto thanks all involved in the nomination review process, including his staff and the military advisory committee, which is made up of Central Florida veterans. The Committee conducts interviews with the nominees and makes critical recommendations to Rep. Soto's office.
Students who have received appointments include:
Student Name | Service Academy | High School |
Abygayle Rausch | US Naval Academy | Auburndale Senior High School |
Collin Hickey | US Air Force Academy | St. Cloud High School |
Deanna Guzman | US Air Force Academy | Celebration High School |
Dominick DeFazio | US Air Force Academy | Brussels High School |
JonAnthony Bartley-Morales | US Military Academy | Lake Nona High School |
Joshua Uyeda | US Naval Academy | Colonial High School |
Kelly Alksninis | US Naval Academy | Celebration High School |
Khadijah McClean | US Naval Academy | Liberty High School |
Lucille Gabrovic* | US Merchant Marine Academy | Lake Brantley High School |
Sara Lirosi | US Merchant Marine Academy | Lake Nona High School |
Skylar Franz | US Military Academy | St. Cloud High School |
Veronica Tilley | US Military Academy | Bishop Moore Catholic High School |
*Also nominated by Senators Bill Nelson, Marco Rubio and Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy.
