Four from Manatee County Receive Service Academy Appointments

MANATEE COUNTY — This week, Congressman Vern Buchanan (R-Longboat Key) announced that eleven area students he nominated have been appointed to one of our country’s premiere U.S. Service Academies, including four from Manatee County.

“I would like to congratulate these outstanding young men and women for their appointments,” said  Buchanan. “They should take pride in having successfully competed with so many students from across the country. It is an honor not only for them but for all who have supported them along the way. I wish them the best of luck and look forward to watching them serve our nation with honor and distinction.” 

Each year, members of the House and Senate nominate senior high school students they represent for admission to the U.S. Air Force, Merchant Marine, Army, and Naval academies. Applicants who meet strict qualifications are interviewed and recommended by a non-partisan Service Academy Board appointed by the Congressman. 

The following students nominated by Buchanan received an academy appointment for the fall:

Manatee County

• IMG Academy graduate Andrew Mikell Thompson of Bradenton was appointed to the United States Military Academy at West Point.
• Bradenton Christian School graduate Aspen Benigni of Palmetto was appointed to the United States Naval Academy.
• IMG Academy graduate Joshua Wolff of Bradenton was appointed to the United States Air Force Academy.

Hillsborough County

• Bell Creek Academy graduate Jack Matthew Spain of Lithia was appointed to the United States Military Academy.
• The Academy of the Holy Names graduate Misi Rose Sigler of Riverview was appointed to the United States Military Academy.
• Strawberry Crest High graduate Saige Starford of Lithia was appointed to the United States Military Academy.
• Admiral Farragut Academy graduate Nathaniel Hewett of Riverview was appointed to the United States Military Academy.
• Admiral Farragut Academy graduate Gavin Wolfgang Schlosser of Bradenton was appointed to the United States Naval Academy.
• The Academy of the Holy Names graduate Morgan Alison Hunt of Brandon was appointed to the United States Naval Academy and the United States Air Force Academy.