U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito recently announced her nominations of 36 exceptional high school seniors from across 17 West Virginia counties to attend the nation’s top service academies, including the U.S. Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Merchant Marine Academy. These nominations reflect the dedication, academic excellence, and leadership potential of the selected students, positioning them to become the nation’s future military leaders.

The selection process involved a comprehensive review of applications by a board chosen by Senator Capito. The board carefully evaluated candidates based on academic achievements, leadership experience, and personal interviews before making their recommendations. This meticulous process ensures that only the most qualified individuals are nominated to represent West Virginia on the national stage.

The service academies provide a unique opportunity for students to receive top-tier education and military training, preparing them for careers of service and leadership. The nominees represent a diverse group of young men and women who have excelled in various fields and are ready to take on the challenges of rigorous academic and physical training.

Below is the list of Senator Capito’s nominees for each service academy:

U.S. Air Force Academy

  • Nixon W. Brown (Greenbrier County)
  • Owen C. Cosner (Monongalia County)
  • Mason M. Derrick (Jefferson County)
  • Addison G. Eldridge (Mercer County)
  • Sophia C. Elwood (Cabell County) Also nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy
  • Faith E. Foglesong (Jefferson County) Also nominated to the U.S. Military Academy
  • Haden M. Hodge (Putnam County) Also nominated to the U.S. Military Academy
  • Daniel B. Martin (Wood County)
  • Andrew M. McClanahan (Putnam County)
  • Jackson C. McWhorter (Summers County)
  • Maddox J. Reddington (Jefferson County)
  • Keegan A. Sack (Putnam County)
  • Benjamin K. Simerman (Wayne County) Also nominated to the U.S. Military Academy
  • Solomon R. Stoll (Cabell County)
  • George T. Welti (Jefferson County)

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

  • Noah Brown (Berkeley County)
  • Tristan M. Rucker (Jefferson County)

U.S. Military Academy

  • Ian E. Cline (Greenbrier County)
  • Agustin T. Hall (Jefferson County) Also nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy
  • Travis A. Jenkins (Jefferson County)
  • Garrett W. Johnson (Fayette County)
  • Stephen A. McMillion (Harrison County)
  • Hannah D. Phillips (Jefferson County)

U.S. Naval Academy

  • Sean C. Fagan (Jefferson County)
  • Jeremiah W. Fizer (Cabell County)
  • Liberty G. Mannon (Cabell County) Also nominated to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
  • Jameson R. Maynard (Ohio County)
  • Kaitlin C. Ortiz (Ohio County)
  • John D. Park (Berkeley County) Also nominated to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
  • Merrick D. Reddington (Jefferson County)
  • Joseph N. Simonton (Kanawha County)
  • Chloe M. Smalley (Cabell County)
  • August J. Welsh (Marshall County)
  • Ashton S. White (Randolph County)
  • William B. Wojtowicz (Hampshire County)
  • Hector D. Zavala (Jefferson County)

These nominations highlight the achievements of West Virginia’s youth and their readiness to contribute to the nation’s defense and leadership. The commitment of these students, along with the support from their families and communities, reflects the state’s dedication to fostering future leaders.