FROM STAFF REPORTS

Congressman Gary Palmer announced 14 students from Alabama’s Sixth Congressional District have received offers and will attend one of the United States Service Academies for their higher education and serve at least five years in our military.

In order for a student to apply to a service academy, the student must receive a nomination from a congressman, senator, the vice president or the president.

The service academies include the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.

“Every year I have the honor and privilege of nominating outstanding students from the Sixth District of Alabama for an appointment to our nation’s service academies,” Palmer said in a news release. “Receiving an appointment to a service academy is a competitive process with each academy having an acceptance rate of less than 15 percent. I am pleased to announce the 14 students from Alabama’s Sixth District who received my nomination and accepted an offer from a U.S. Service Academy. Please join me in congratulating these outstanding individuals and their families as they embark to learn at the highest levels and serve America in extraordinary ways.”

Students who attended schools in Shelby County include:

• John Allen Bass from Chelsea High School received an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy.
• Davis Holley from Spain Park High School received an appointment to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
• George Moore from Briarwood Christian School received an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy.
• Elexus Oliver from Thompson High School received an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School.
• Blake Randle from Oak Mountain High School received an appointment to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
• Gunnar Schultz from Oak Mountain High School received an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy.
• Sarah Whitley from Oak Mountain High School received an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Anyone interested in information about attending a service academy should visit Palmer.house.gov and select “Services: U.S. Service Academy Nominations.”

Eligible applicants must be at least 17 years old, a U.S. citizen, have a strong academic background, proven leadership skills and be of good moral character.