ACADEMY-BOUND – U.S Rep Mazie Hirono is surrounded by appointees to U.S. Military Service Academies. (Hirono Campaign Photo)

Kaneohe, Hawaii—Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) today announced her nomination list of 30 students, who hail from Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District, to the U.S. military service academies for the Class of 2016.

The Congresswoman made the announcement at a ceremony at Windward Mall before family and friends of Oahu nominees.  The students’ applications are now being considered by the four academies for final selections.

The four military service academies are: the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

U.S. Representatives and Senators submit nominations to the four service academies.  Each academy’s director of admissions then selects from the submitted lists of nominees who are measured on their scholastic achievement, leadership experience, school involvement, athletic and extra-curricular activities, community contributions, and volunteer or employment experiences.  Nomination does not guarantee appointment.

Congresswoman Hirono’s Class of 2016 Academy Nominations:

U.S. Naval Academy

• Richard Chun (Hilo), Waiakea High School
• Daniel Cook (Waimea), Hawaii Preparatory Academy
• Emma Drake (Kaneohe), Kalaheo High School
• Jamal Garcia (Kihei), Maui High School
• Gabriel Keller (Honokaa), Honokaa High School
• Jonathan Lomberg (Honaunau), Kealakehe High School
• Tyler Muniz (Kapolei), Radford High School
• Micah Kikau Pescaia (Kailua), The Kamehameha Schools – Kapalama
• Blaze Keka Ryder, The Kamehameha Schools – Kapalama
• Blaine Keanu Wicklund (Kaneohe), Damien Memorial School

U.S. Air Force Academy

• Erica Butters (Kailua), ‘Iolani School
• Katherine Malia Case (Waimea), Hawaii Preparatory Academy
• Joey Lynn Ching (Kailua), Punahou School
• Edgar K. Elgar (Wahiawa), Leilehua High School
• Micah Freitas-Garrido (Kaneohe), ‘Iolani School
• Thomas Goodin (Kaneohe), Mid Pacific Institute
• Amirah Inez Majied (Ewa Beach), Island Pacific Academy
• Neil Nunan (Kihei), Kihei Charter School
• Kameron Perez (Lihue), The Kamehameha Schools – Kapalama
• Ranson Rivera (Kapolei), Damien Memorial School

U.S. Military Academy (West Point)

• Austin Corpuz (Kapolei), Kapolei High School
• Marcus Aukai Gilliland (Kailua), The Kamehameha Schools – Kapalama
• Kristel Guino (Kapa‘a), Kapa‘a High School
• Jordan Lee (Kailua), ‘Iolani School
• Justin Lowe (Kapolei), The Kamehameha Schools – Kapalama
• Lashondra Maddox (Wahiawa), Leilehua High School
• Phillip Magliba (Waimanalo), Kailua High School
• Shaun Miller (Kailua), Le Jardin Academy
• Christina-Maile Pico (Kapa‘a), Kapa‘a High School

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

• Jacob Lockwood (Kahaluu), Home school