Council Rock Students Among Local Nominees for Military Service Academies

The following announcement was provided by Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick:

Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (PA-8) joined Bucks and Montgomery county students, families and military veterans Thursday night to announce his selections for military service academy nominations.

“Just over 238 years, not far from here, General George Washington led a committed group of volunteers across a frozen river in a daring attack. A move that inspires military minds and average Americans today—as much for what it inspired as what it accomplished,” said Fitzpatrick, speaking to the group at the Bucks County Courthouse.

“Tonight, we recognize this promising group of future leaders seated before us who have chosen to take up the same mantle carried by those patriots who fought for liberty with General Washington. As we gather here tonight to celebrate their achievements, I feel fortunate to have these moments to share with our future leaders.”

This year’s class includes 25 nominees with recommendations to the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Recommendations are assisted by Fitzpatrick’s Nomination Committee which includes active duty and retired military members from across the Eighth District.

“When I present the appointment at school assemblies, I steal from one of my fellow field force volunteers, who remarked how West Point - and all the service academies—are true meritocracies. No one gets in because of legacy, or because his parents or grandparents made major donations to the institution. The only way to get in is to have worked hard and excelled on so many levels, especially in academics, fitness, and leadership,” said CPT Jon Guy, Military Admissions Liaison Officer, a 1986 West Point graduate and member of Fitzpatrick’s Nominating Committee.

“A nomination is a vote of confidence from experienced advisers to the Congressman, who are saying that they would entrust the safety of their children and grandchildren to the leadership of these fine individuals. I think that says quite a lot about the people that we recognize tonight.”

The service academies offer near limitless possibilities—from a world class education to exciting personal challenges. While a congressional nomination does not guarantee entry to a service academy, these young men and women were able to distinguish themselves among a highly competitive group of their peers. Many who do not assume a position at one of the service academies go on to receive ROTC Scholarships, appointments to other military academies such as The Citadel or Virginia Military Institute.

Nominees include:

• Josh Bazzano (C.B. West) – U.S. Naval Academy
• Connor Borkert (C.B. West) – U.S. Naval Academy
• Allan Brown (Archbishop Wood) – U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
• Hailey Burns (C.R. North) – U.S. Naval Academy
• Timothy Cathers, Jr. (C.B. East) - U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
• Devon Collins (C.R. North) – U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy
• Patrick Dineen (Holy Ghost Prep) – U.S. Military Academy
• Rachel Dodaro (C.B. East) – U.S. Military Academy
• Josh Douple (C.B. West) - U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
• Christopher Dunn (C.B. East) – U.S. Naval Academy
• Jordan Hay (Souderton) – U.S. Naval Academy
• Richard Hayes III (Pennridge) – U.S. Naval Academy
• Shane Hensel (C.B. South) – U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Naval Academy
• Lianna Jasiewicz (George School) - U.S. Military Academy
• Michael Kelsall, Jr. (Quakertown) – U.S. Air Force Academy
• Mary Lyons (Archbishop Wood) – U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
• Brandon McCredie (Mercerberg Academy) – U.S. Military Academy
• Raymond Pfundt (Embry Riddle Aeronautical Univ.) – U.S. Naval Academy
• Angela Popolizio (New Hope Academy) – U.S. Naval Academy
• Moatasim Rana (Bensalem) – U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
• Kathryn Salva (Palisades) – U.S. Naval Academy
• Samuel Teplove (C.R. South) - U.S. Naval Academy
• Mary Ulasewicz (Mount St. Joesph’s Academy) – U.S. Naval Academy
• Patrick Walsh (St. Joseph’s Prep) - U.S. Naval Academy
• Andrew Zhugayevich (C.B. East) – U.S. Military Academy