Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) today announced the names of 15 high school students from the Fourth District of Oklahoma that he has nominated for entry into one of America’s prestigious military academies.
One of the nominees is from Newcastle High School. Aden Shumard, a resident of Tuttle who is a student at NHS, was accepted into three of the four academies.
The academies that receive congressionally nominated students include the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and the U.S. Naval Academy. Shumard was accepted into each with the exception of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
The nomination process is highly competitive, according to Cole. Applicants are evaluated for academic performance and standing, including class rank, SAT/ACT scores and school records.
Other criteria considered by Congressman Cole and the recommendation panel includes athletics, physical fitness, extracurricular activities, recommendations and leadership potential. Upon congressional nomination, students become eligible for consideration to receive an appointment to the service academy (or academies) to which they applied.
“Volunteering to serve one’s country in our armed services is worthy of tremendous respect and gratitude,” Cole said. “I am honored to recommend 15 of the best and brightest high school students from the Fourth District to attend one of our country’s esteemed military academies. Their determination to serve this great nation is noble and truly inspiring to all Americans.”
