Udall Congratulates New Mexico Nominees to United States Service Academies

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall announced the 35 New Mexico students who have received his nomination to attend a United States service academy beginning in 2017. A congressional, vice-presidential, or service-connected nomination is required for admission to the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Students receiving Udall's nomination completed a competitive application process, which included an interview with the senator's Military Academy Service Panels, comprised of military and community leaders.

"The students I have nominated to the United States service academies this year represent some of New Mexico's best and brightest," Udall said. "It is my honor to congratulate them and to wish them luck as they continue with the admissions process. These exceptional students have demonstrated their talents and strong leadership in both their academic and extracurricular endeavors, and I'm proud of their desire to serve our nation. All of the service academies provide an excellent education that prepares students to excel in both military and civilian life. I am confident that the students who choose to enroll in the academies will represent New Mexico well, and I wish them the greatest success as they continue their education and pursue a life of leadership and service."

These students will now compete for admission to their service academy over the coming months. Those admitted will begin classes in the summer of 2017 as members of the class of 2021.

The following are the students nominated from New Mexico by academy:

United States Military Academy (West Point)
Michael Brouillette of Santa Fe
Matthew Jingle of Albuquerque
Perry Miller of Albuquerque
Caleb Moreno of Lovington
Carly Read of Albuquerque
Heana Reed of Rio Rancho
Benjamin Selph of Rio Rancho
Chris Sharfin of Roswell
Michael Smith of Albuquerque
Andres Torres of Albuquerque

United States Naval Academy
Shea Auge of Albuquerque
William Cheshire of Albuquerque
Isaac Dunwoody of Los Alamos
Joseph Greer of Albuquerque
Brittany Holden-Rhodes of Placitas
Michael McCullough of Albuquerque
Deven McGee of Albuquerque
Colton Powell of Cedar Crest
Brannon Purvis of Albuquerque
Jason Watlington of Albuquerque

United States Air Force Academy
Zachary Andrews of Albuquerque
Jason Brenholdt of Tijeras
Cameren Kristensen of Albuquerque
Marcus Lovato of Las Vegas
Grace Metzgar of Rio Rancho
Connor Neal of Albuquerque
Joseph Ortiz of Albuquerque
Dillon Reynolds of Ruidoso
Cole Ronnau of Albuquerque
Belle Toney of Farmington

United States Merchant Marine Academy
Layton Barela of Albuquerque
Peter DeGroot of Roswell
Malcolm Keith of Albuquerque
Dominic Moore of Roswell
Mark Shover of Albuquerque