James Caldwell High Student Accepted To U.S. Naval Academy

WEST CALDWELL, NJ — A James Caldwell High School student was among the 20 exceptional, young New Jerseyans accepted this year to the four U.S. military service academies.

Dean Caravala of James Caldwell High School in West Caldwell was originally accepted into Naval Academy Preparatory School, according to a news release. Caravala and other nominees for the service academies were chosen for their excellent academic records, leadership potential and strong character, among other criteria.

U.S. Senator Bob Menendez hosted a reception Monday in his Newark office to celebrate the 20 nominees.

“Our military academies accept only the best of the best to become the next generation of officers to lead our forces in the protection of our nation and our freedoms,” Menendez said. “I am so proud of these extraordinary young New Jerseyans willing to serve our country. They will represent our state well, and I wish them the very best of luck as they embark on this new adventure.”

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U.S. Military Academy at West Point

• Kyle Beyer, Morris Plains (Morristown High School)
• Kevin Hernandez, Union City (Union City High School) (accepted into West Point Preparatory School)
• Solonika Kakoulakis, Edison (J.P. Stevens High School) (originally accepted into West Point Preparatory School)
• Elizabeth Lee, Cherry Hill (Cherry Hill High School East)
• Margaret Lynch, Rumson (Red Bank Catholic High School)
• Sophie Reitz-Bouren, Summit (Summit High School) (nominated by Rep. Leonard Lance (N.J.-07) and accepted into Civil Preparatory School)
• Jack Simpson, Ridgewood (Ridgewood High School)
• Luke Sukienuik, Chatham (Chatham High School/University of Miami)
• Fernando Sullivan, Carteret (Bishop Ahr High School) (originally nominated and appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy)
• Jeffrey Tantow, Port Reading (Woodbridge High School)

U.S. Naval Academy

• Dean Caravala of West Caldwell (James Caldwell High School) (originally accepted into Naval Academy Preparatory School)
• Nora Honrath, Brielle (St. John Vianney High School)
• Peter Nestrowitz, Twp. of Washington (Paramus Catholic High School)
• Christian Pearson, Teaneck (Teaneck High School)

U.S. Air Force Academy

• Erin Durak, Bayonne (Bayonne High School) (accepted into Air Force Academy Preparatory School)

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

• Claire Atkins, West Long Branch (Shore Regional High School)
• Shannon Fahsbender, Andover (Lenape Valley Regional High School)
• Wilson Maya, Madison (Morristown High School)
• Carson Pearce, Manahawkin (Abeka Christian Homeschool Academy)
• Christopher Waller, Middletown (Christian Brothers Academy)

Image via Senator Bob Menendez

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Reporting by Alexis Tarrazi (Patch Staff)