Grassley Nominates 33 Iowa Students to the U.S. Service Academies

Statement

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) nominated 33 Iowa students to be considered for appointments to the U.S. service academies.

"These young Iowans who want to enter the academies and serve our country are a remarkable reflection of our state. Their accomplishments, leadership and desire to serve are exceptional, and signal continued excellence in the U.S. armed forces," Grassley said. "The academies offer some of the best options for higher education as well as an outstanding way to serve our country. It's a tremendous opportunity for young Iowans and I look forward to seeing all they accomplish in their future endeavors."

Each year, Grassley has the opportunity as a U.S. senator to nominate either current or future Iowa high school graduates for a select few service academy placements. The U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy all select at least one qualified student from Grassley's nominations. The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy makes selections in proportion to states' representation in Congress.

Grassley encourages Iowa students to consider applying to more than one service academy due to the highly competitive nature of admissions. Iowa members serving in the U.S. House of Representatives make nominations in addition to both of Iowa's U.S. senators. Students may receive more than one nomination.

Students interested in academy appointments should begin the application process in the spring of their junior year of high school. Early application is encouraged. The academies select students based on the number of vacancies available for the next school year.

Traditionally, the high quality of Iowa nominees results in several Iowa students being offered admission to attend each of the service academies. These students then choose whether to attend the academy. More information about service academy nominations can be found here.

Grassley will make announcements as academy appointments are offered to Iowans.

The list of Grassley's nominees for the 2021 -- 2022 school year follows.

U.S. Military Academy at West Point
Kaylah Ajram-Wright -- Cedar Rapids
Nicholas Bandy -- Dubuque
Emma Caster -- Coralville
Noelle Grau -- West Des Moines
Luke Jefferson -- Le Claire
Alexander Meier -- Le Mars
Cavan O'Hara- Robins
Jason Renze -- Madrid
Andrew Riley -- Des Moines
Sam Wilson -- Carlisle

U.S. Air Force Academy
Chloe David -- Granger
Aleah Heims -- Manchester
Jacob Hrasky -- Treynor
Paden Ketter -- Traer
Kori Knox -- Urbandale
Noah Reznik -- Cumming
James Tormey -- West Des Moines
Alex Traynor -- Urbandale
Kitty Walden -- Sioux City
Daniel White -- Ankeny

U.S. Naval Academy
Ashish Abraham -- Bettendorf
Rylie Anderson -- Bondurant
Jackson Decker -- Fairfax
Zayna Dickson -- Urbandale
Anastasia Nguyen -- Davenport
Elizabeth Peters -- Iowa City
Benjamin Toyne -- Victor
Sophia Utsinger -- Bettendorf
Maria Vaaler -- Bettendorf
Julie Valenca -- Le Claire

U.S. Merchant Marine
Emerson Abbas -- Altoona
Joshua Davis -- Dubuque
Zayna Dickson -- Urbandale
Samantha Foht -- Davenport
Elizabeth Peters -- Iowa City

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