WASHINGTON – Senator Chuck Grassley has nominated 34 Iowa students to be considered for appointments to the U.S. service academies.
 
“Young Iowans who want to enter the academies and serve our country are a remarkable reflection on our state.  These candidates’ accomplishments and leadership are exceptional, and their early desire to serve signals continued excellence in the U.S. armed forces,” Grassley said.
 
Each year Grassley has the opportunity as a U.S. senator to nominate either current or future Iowa high school graduates for a select few service academy placements.  The U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy all select at least one qualified student from Grassley’s nominations.  The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy makes selections in proportion to states’ representation in Congress.
 
Grassley said he encourages Iowa students to consider applying to more than one service academy due to the highly competitive nature of admissions.  Iowa representatives in the U.S. House of Representatives make nominations in addition to both of Iowa’s U.S. senators.  Students may receive more than one nomination.
 
Students interested in academy appointments should begin the application process in the spring of their junior year of high school.  Early application is encouraged.  The academies select students based on the number of vacancies available for the next school year. 
 
“The academies offer some of the best options for higher education, and they offer an outstanding way to serve our country.  It’s a tremendous opportunity for young Iowans,” Grassley said. 
 
Traditionally, the high quality of Iowa nominees results in several Iowa students being offered admission to attend each of the service academies.  The students then choose whether or not to attend the academy.  More information about service academy nominations can be found here.
 
Grassley will make announcements as academy appointments are offered to Iowans. 

The lists below include the names and hometowns of Grassley’s nominees for the 2017–2018 school year.
 
U.S. Military Academy at West Point
Ryer Barnes – Cedar Rapids
Jerry Bastin – Muscatine
Noah Bierman – West Liberty
Zach Bunn – Bettendorf
Griffin Clark – Lisbon
Garrett Dolan – Muscatine
Elizabeth Ernst – Red Oak
Brock Jennings – Osage
Calvin Pieper – Waukee
John Sullivan – Davenport

U.S. Naval Academy
Nathan Abramoff – Iowa City
Connor Ascherl – Granville
Justin Budan – Ottumwa
Lucas Cosselman – Eldridge
Samantha Fultz – Rowley
Patrick Gorman – Springville
Patricia King – Sioux Center
Carter Lorenz – Marion
Gabrielle Plagge – Le Mars
Elizabeth Worthington – Brooklyn

U.S. Merchant Marine
Selena Bantz – West Des Moines
Brayden Elbert – Indianola
Colin Kerkhoff – Waukee
Joshua Krehbiel – Elkhart
 
U.S. Air Force Academy
Lucas Castro – Davenport
Savannah David – Granger
Nathan Davis – Cedar Rapids
Lindsey Dee – Melcher Dallas
Brayden Elbert – Urbandale
Shannon Guy – Davenport
Christine Hess – Shelby
Daniel Holt – Cedar Rapids
Jack Vander Voort – Orange City
Noah Welch – Urbandale

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