February 15, 2010

Being all they can be

By Staff Reports  |  The Daily Advertiser  |  Link to article

WASHINGTON — Two Breaux Bridge High School students have been nominated to attend West Point Military Academy by U.S. Rep. Charles Melancon.

Melancon included Francheska Charles of Parks and Megan Conques of Breaux Bridge in his list of 2010 nominees for the U.S. Service Academies, with recommendation of the Third Congressional District Advisory Board.

Also on the list are Abbey Akes of Berwick High School, Olivia Hill of St. Amant and Arthur Schexnayder of Hahnville High School, who were nominated to attend the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis.

Barbara Maikell of Hahnville High School was nominated for the United States Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs. Dylan Lovergne of Luling Hahnville High and Jaron Thurnau of Destrehan High School have been nominated to the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point.

"I congratulate these eight young people from south Louisiana for taking the initiative to explore the opportunities a military education has to offer," Melancon said in a statement. "Supporting our country's future leaders by nominating them for the Military Service Academies is one of the most privileged responsibilities of a member of Congress, and I am proud to help these young people along their educational paths."

Each applicant for a military academy nomination from Melancon must meet the following eligibility requirements as of July 1st of the year of admission:

• Be at least 17 years old, but not have passed the 23rd birthday;
• Be a U.S. citizen;
• Reside within the boundaries of the 3rd District of Louisiana;
• Meet the medical, physical and academic requirements of the Academy.

Applicants from the Third Congressional District are interviewed and recommended by Academy Review Boards. Although a nomination is required for admission into an academy, it is not a guarantee of acceptance. Each Military Academy ultimately decides which candidates will be admitted.