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Rep. Napolitano Hosts Military Academy Day to Promote Higher Education

October 12, 2011

(Washington, D.C.) On Saturday, October 12, Rep. Grace F. Napolitano hosted a military academy info session at Southeast Academy High School in Norwalk to give students, parents, and educators a chance to learn more about educational opportunities in our nation’s military academies.

“Military service academies provide a path to higher education and leadership training for young people who wish to serve their country,” Napolitano said. “These students are the boldest and brightest, and I hope to directly assist you in pursuing your dream of attending the academy of your choice.”

About 150 students spoke with representatives from West Point and the Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Merchant Marine service academies.

“Being born in America has offered me so many opportunities, and I feel I should give back to my country that has given me so much,” said Christopher Aguila of St. Paul High School, in Pico Rivera. “Attending a military academy will allow me to serve my country.”

“One of the big advantages of attending a military academy is the amount of responsibility you get when you graduate,” said Colonel Mark Toy. “A military academy graduate in the army will be in charge of about 30-40 people in a platoon. So you get to learn about leadership in the academy and put it into play on day one.”

“Military academies offer so many opportunities that not only will help your career but also later in life,” said Brian Pozuelos, who was nominated to West Point by Rep. Napolitano in 2009 after graduating from Santa Fe Springs High School.

Our nation’s military service academies are consistently ranked by U.S. News and World Report as some of the most selective and competitive colleges in the world. Applicants to U.S. military academies need to be nominated by their local Representative. Interested students should submit their information to Rep. Napolitano’s district office in Santa Fe Springs by November 18, including:

• A completed Academy Nomination Application form (visit www.napolitano.house.gov)

• One or two letters of recommendation

• A personal statement indicating why you should be considered

• High school and/or college transcripts

• Copy of SAT score

For more information, call Napolitano’s district office at (562) 801-2134.