Students hoping to count off the cadence loud and strong, fly into the wild blue yonder heave ho or hoist anchor just passed another milestone to enrollment in the nation's military academies thanks to nominations from U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-3rd.

“It is truly rewarding to see the number of selfless young men and women who wish to pursue a career of service to their country, and I am very proud of the quality of candidates that I am privileged to nominate,” Kelly said.

Stephanie Stevenson, academy coordinator in Kelly's office, said 27 individuals met all requirements for nomination. Of those, 21 were selected and are now called candidates.

“They really are the best of the best,” Stevenson said.

Stevenson explained there are five military academies — the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. All require a nomination from a member of Congress, except the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.

Candidate William McGuire's interest in the U.S. Naval Academy began with his first visit there when he was 12. More recently, he spent a day with a student at the U.S. Naval Academy and another day with a student at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, which caused him to change his course.

“The Merchant Marine Academy seemed a better fit for me,” McGuire said.

An electrical engineering major at Grove City College, this is his second nomination.

“Actually (I) got it last time and was accepted, but I broke my leg in March and was medically disqualified,” McGuire said.

He said he is medically qualified again and as long as he completes the application process, he is guaranteed acceptance.

“I'm very excited about it,” McGuire said.

He said being an Eagle Scout and participating in the American Legion's model state experience, Keystone Boys State, helped him receive a nomination. It didn't hurt that he was a member of National Honor Society, had good grades and SAT scores and played three sports: cross country, swimming and lacrosse. He was captain for the swim team and the lacrosse team.

It makes sense that Knoch High School candidate Maya Wirtz wants to attend the U.S. Naval Academy. She already spends a lot of time around water as a two-time WPIAL swimming medalist, as well as a scuba diver and rower.

These and other sports compete with her dedication to academics. Wirtz said balancing sports and academics requires time management skills and discipline. She also participated in church retreats, a mission trip to the Dominican Republic and the American Legion Auxiliary Keystone Girls State.

Her interest in the U.S. Air Force Academy also makes sense. Already, she's training for a helicopter pilot's license.

“My goal is to seek a career in aviation, flying helicopters,” Wirtz said.

“I picked West Point (U.S. Military Academy) because my father served in the Army,” said Mars High School candidate Brendan Moyer. “Being on the ground interested me most.”

Moyer's interest in the military goes beyond his own career. After hearing an It's About the Warrior presentation from an amputee who served in Afghanistan, he started giving back to those who served earlier.

“I was inspired by his story, so I have so far organized two fundraisers during my lacrosse games, which have raised over $17,000 for Pittsburgh-area veterans,” Moyer said.

Stevenson said a 12-member advisory board interviewed the academy applicants.

She said the criteria for selecting candidates includes academic achievements, extracurricular activities, leadership skills, physical aptitude, character and motivation.

“Rep. Kelly realizes that being chosen for an appointment to any of the prestigious service academies is a tremendous accomplishment and a very unique opportunity. Appointments are only offered to those who display admirable leadership qualities and unlimited potential,” Stevenson said.

Attending a service academy has significant financial benefits.

Stevenson said, “A four-year education at any of the service academies is equivalent to a $400,000 scholarship.”

Accepting an academy offer is a commitment of four years of education and five years of military service, Stevenson said.

“That's why they have all the hurdles,” Stevenson said.

She said it's common for students to submit multiple applications in the hopes of a nomination and apply to colleges, too.

“If you apply through your congressman's office and both senators' offices, you're basically tripling your chances of receiving a nomination from at least one source,” Stevenson said.

Kelly's office begins accepting applications May 1.

During the next few months, the candidates will learn whether they will attend an academy.

“These 21 individuals have demonstrated tremendous leadership in their communities and schools and I am confident they possess the qualities to excel at the highest level,” Kelly said. “I congratulate each of our nominees and fully believe they will represent our district and all of Pennsylvania with the utmost integrity.”

The following students from local schools and their academy choices are among the students nominated by Kelly.

Ceara Berry: Knoch High graduate, now attending the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School, United States Air Force Academy (USAFA)

Brett Brady: Butler High School, United States Naval Academy (USNA) and USAFA

Lucas Madonna: Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic High School, USNA and United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA)

William McGuire: Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic High School graduate, attending Grove City College, USMMA

Brendan Moyer: Mars High School, United States Military Academy (USMA)

Charles Nesbit: Grove City High School, USNA and USMA

Christian Pierotti: Allegheny-Clarion Valley High School, USNA

Michael Renaud: Knoch High School graduate, attending Penn State University, USAFA

Maya Wirtz: Knoch High School, USNA and USAFA

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