July 11, 2005

Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren nominates 13 for Service Academies

Del Mar’s Ray Lomeli heading to West Point

Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren recently completed her nomination slate for the Class of 2009 for the service academies including West Point, Naval Academy and the Air Force Academy. Among the nominees was Del Mar High School graduate Ray Lomeli who was appointed to the West Point Academy.

Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren and congratulates Ray Lomali, left, who has been appointed to West Point Military Academy.

The U.S. Military Academies rank competitively with the top academic institutions in the country. The academies offer young people a chance for top quality education and the opportunity for a solid career in the military. The U.S. government pays for all educational costs.

Who is eligible to apply? All candidates applying for a nomination from Congresswoman Lofgren’s district must be a U.S. Citizen and legal resident of the 16th Congressional District of California. They must be at least 17 years old and not yet 23 on July 1 of the year of admission. They also cannot be married, pregnant or have a legal obligation to support a dependent.

To be considered for an appointment to a service academy (e.g. the Naval Academy (Annapolis), the Military Academy (West Point), or the Air Force Academy), an applicant must have a nomination from an authorized nominating source usually referred to as “congressional nominations” such as members of the United States Senate and House of Representatives or the Vice President of the United States. There are also “service-connected” or “military-affiliated” nominations including the selection of the President of the United States and/or nominations of the appropriate service (e.g. Secretary of the Navy for the Naval Academy).

Before nominating an applicant, members of Congress carefully evaluate each applicant’s overall qualifications.

The three academies consider evidence of character, scholarship (class rank SAT/ACT scores), leadership, physical aptitude, medical fitness, goals and motivation in determining each nominee’s “whole-person” evaluation.

Members are encouraged to conduct their own screening panels as part of the selection process.

Approximately, 80 percent of the entering class comes from the top 20 percent of their high school class. After reviewing all qualified candidates, Congresswoman Lofgren selects a broad-based interviewing panel comprised of experienced student interviewers usually consisting of educators, military and community representatives.

The structured interviews evaluate the student’s potential for success including an assessment of academics and extra-curricular activities along with a review of key determinants for academy and career motivation.

This year, 17 candidates in District 16 were interested in nomination process including 12 young men and five women. Congresswoman Lofgren nominated 13 fine young men and women to the service academies. Seven of them were accepted.