Congressman Collins Nominates Students to Service Academies

Two Stephens County students and two Elbert County students are among a list of 24 students nominated by U.S. Representative Doug Collins to the nation’s four service academies.

Tiffany Haddock, and James Carter of Stephens County High School and Jacob Heydinger, and Gino Saponari both of Elbert County Comprehensive High School were nominated by Collins Tuesday.

Students must be nominated to an academy by a Member of Congress, the Vice-President of the United States, or a Service Branch Secretary.

However final appointment decisions are made by the individual academies.

If offered admission, they will enter their respective academy in the summer of 2016.

Upon completion, they will receive a commission as officers in their chosen branch.

The four service academies include, United States Military Academy in West Point NY, the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis MD, the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs CO, and the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point NY.
Each student has completed a rigorous application and interview process to arrive at this point.

Once nominated, the students will then compete with the finest students throughout the country for a coveted spot in the newest classes.

“They have all demonstrated the skill and determination necessary to succeed and become the next generation of military leaders,” Collins said. “Their willingness to serve our nation and defend our liberties is a shining example to everyone in the ninth district of Georgia.”

Other nominees from the Ninth District include:

Alexander Chastain, Fannin County HS
Cory Campbell, North Forsyth HS
Matthew McClelland, North Forsyth HS
Nina Carter, North Forsyth HS
Garrett Sellers, Gilmer County HS
John Gallagher, Tallulah Falls HS
Chad Newstrom, West Hall HS
Sawer Madsen, GA Military College
Jonathan Olson, Riverside Military Academy
Christian Hunt, West Hall HS
James Carothers, Naval Academy Prep School
Christopher Olmstead, Kent State University
Jacob Shewbert, Flowery Branch HS
Matthew Hale, Jefferson HS
Austin Pierce, Lumpkin Co. HS
Victoria Hicks, Chattanooga Girls Prep
Walker  Lawrence, Pickens County HS
Maverick Pierce, Pickens County HS
Canaan York, Vicenza HS (Italy)