WASHINGTON, DC – Two St. Joseph County students are among the 14 service academy nominees announced by Congressman Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) for the academic year beginning in the fall of 2010. The nominees have excelled both academically and athletically at their respective schools and have gone through an extensive selection process.
The local nominees are Marco Drayton of Three Rivers High School, nominated for the class of 2014 at the United States Military Academy/Army, and Samuel Fry of Sturgis High School, nominated for the United States Naval Academy.
“I am pleased to have the opportunity to nominate these fine young men and women to the nation’s service academies,” said Upton. “Each member of this distinguished group has successfully undergone a rigorous selection process. Our entire community should be proud of their achievements. These exemplary young men and women represent the very best that Michigan has to offer and are among our nation’s best and brightest future leaders. It is an honor and a privilege to nominate these students, as they serve as an outstanding example for other local youth who might aspire to follow in their footsteps. I encourage local students to contact either of my offices in Kalamazoo and the Twin Cities if they are interested in opening a whole new world of opportunity and the chance to serve our nation.”
The selection process included an interview with Upton’s Academy Advisory Board that is comprised of local community leaders. Upon approval by the board, the students’ names were then passed on to Congressman Upton, who then officially nominated the students to our nation’s military academies. The individual academies will make the final decisions on military appointments over the next few weeks and months.
Students interested in attending a service academy are encouraged to contact either of Upton’s district offices for further information: Twin Cities (269-982-1986) or Kalamazoo (269-385-0039).
Source: News release from Congressman Fred Upton
