STOCKTON – Rep. Josh Harder, D-Tracy, nominated eight local students to national military service academies during a ceremony Tuesday night at the Teacher’s College of San Joaquin.
The celebration included the students’ teachers, families, local leaders, and active servicemembers. The selected students are high school seniors from Mountain House, Stockton, Tracy, and Ripon.
Among then was James Wilkins, a senior at Ripon High School who was nominated for the United States Air Force Academy and the United States Naval Academy
“Nominating local Valley students to be the next generation of leaders at our national service academies is one of the highest honors of my job. I couldn't be more proud of the hard work and determination of these incredible students,” Harder said.
“This accomplishment isn’t easy – it takes top grades, leadership inside and outside the classroom, and a deep commitment to service. I know they will represent our community proudly in their careers of service.”
Harder was joined by Troy Brown, Superintendent of the San Joaquin County Office of Education, as well as state and local elected officials’ offices, educators from across the Valley, students and their families, the Girl Scouts, active servicemembers and JROTC representatives, and local veterans.
Members of Congress can nominate students from their district to attend service academies, which include the United States Military Academy (USMA) in West Point, New York, the United States Naval Academy (USNA) in Annapolis, Maryland, the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in Kings Point, New York.
Dozens of students apply every year, making the nomination process extremely competitive. Qualified applicants display high academic standing, strong standardized testing scores, demonstrable leadership skills, and top physical fitness. Nominees who are accepted at service academies commit to serving in the U.S. military for at least five years upon completion.
