Central Washington Service Academy Appointment Nominations 2021

Congressman Dan Newhouse (R-Wa.) has nominated 18 students across Central Washington to attend U.S. military service academies including the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, and U.S. Air Force Academy. The congressional nominations follow an application process and interview with Rep. Newhouse’s military service academy advisory board.

The honor of attending a service academy comes with the obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. The final determination for admittance will be made by the respective academies.

“The promising students I have nominated to serve our nation at U.S. military academies this year are among the most accomplished and inspiring young people Central Washington has to offer,” said Rep. Newhouse. “They represent the very best of our communities. I would like to thank my service academy advisory board who assisted in reviewing these dedicated applicants. I am confident that we can expect great achievements from all of these individuals in service to their country.”

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Highlighting those from the greater Tri-City and Yakima areas:

U.S. Military Academy

Jared Ball of Yakima - Jared Ball is a senior at La Salle High School. He is the son of Christopher and Catherine Ball.

Antuan Gonzalez of Yakima - Antuan Gonzalez is a senior at A. C. Davis High School. He is the son of Ricardo and Lorena Gonzalez.

Lauren Leckelt of Kennewick - Lauren Leckelt is a senior at Kennewick High School. She is the daughter of Quentin Leckelt and Rachel Thompson.

Zayne Maughan of Pasco - Zayne Maughan is a graduate of Chiawana High School. He is the son of Derek and Michelle Maughan.

Nicole Porcaro of Richland - Nicole Porcaro is a graduate of Hanford High School and currently attending Marion Military Institute. She is the daughter of Paul and Melissa Porcaro.

Tristan Shulman of Kennewick - Tristan Shulman is a graduate of Southridge High School and currently attending Columbia Basin College. He is the son of Michael and Heather Shulman.

Nicholas Zito of Kennewick - Nicholas Zito is a graduate of Hanford High School and currently attending Texas A&M University. He is the son of Jerald and Eugenia Zito.

U.S. Air Force Academy Nominees

Cameron Breier of Pasco - Cameron Breier is a senior at Chiawana High School. He is the son of Michael and Camie Breier.

Isaiah Carter of Prosser - Isaiah Carter is a senior and is homeschooled. He is the son of Justin and Katie Carter.

Grady Kriskovich of Richland - Grady Kriskovich is a senior at Richland High School. He is the son of Jim and Ellen Kriskovich.

Jonah Raebel of Kennewick - Jonah Raebel is a senior at Kennewick High School. He is the son of James and Jill Raebel.

Nicholas Walkley of Kennewick - Nicholas Walkley is a senior at Washington Virtual Academy. He is the son of Jeffrey and April Walkley.

Andrew Wood of Yakima - Andrew Wood is a senior at West Valley High School. He is the son of Justin and Barbara Wood.

Multiple Academy Nominees: Jared Ball; Lauren Leckelt

U.S. Naval Academy Nominees

Connor Brown of Richland - Connor Brown is a senior at Hanford High School. He is the son of Dennis and Tamara Brown.

Duncan Gill of Richland - Duncan Gill is a senior at Richland High School. He is the son of Joseph and Kelley Gill.

Multiple Academy Nominees: Lauren Leckelt; Nicole Porcaro; Tristan Shulman; Nicholas Zito.

Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination.

Congratulations to all of the nominees. Thank you for entertaining the idea of defending the greatest nation the world has ever known, and thank you to your families for rearing and nurturing such a fine representation of exemplary young Americans. The best of luck to you all.