One of Mike Garcia’s, R-Santa Clarita, favorite duties as congressman include the nomination of students across California for a United States military academy.

This years’ nominees are a list of local high-achieving students with a desire to serve in a branch of the United States Military. The different academies these students have been nominated to include United States Military Academy, the United States Merchant Marine Academy, the United States Naval Academy and the United States Air Force Academy.

A graduate of the United States Naval Academy himself, Garcia is a veteran of the United States Navy, and holds a strong passion for those who have served, are serving or wish to serve in the military. 

“Having personally attended the United States Naval Academy, it is great to see so many smart and hardworking young Americans eager to serve their country…  I look forward to seeing all that these young leaders will achieve. I am confident they have bright futures ahead,” said Garcia. 

The list of local 27th district of California, which includes Santa Clarita, students who were nominated for their outstanding achievements and earned an application spot to one of the stellar military academies include: 

• Benjamin Bartel – Nominated to the United States Military Academy and the United States Merchant Marine Academy
• Foster Bella – Nominated to the United States Military Academy
• Isiajah Borillo – Nominated to the United States Merchant Marine Academy
• Camden Brundage – Nominated to the United States Naval Academy
• Olivia Burk – Nominated to the United States Air Force Academy
• Jordyn Butler – Nominated to the United States Military Academy
• Phillip Daigan – Nominated to the United States Air Force Academy
• Emily Doi – Nominated to the United States Military Academy
• Austin Hernandez – Nominated to the United States Military Academy
• Ryan Hunt – Nominated to the United States Air Force Academy
• Ashley Kelly – Nominated to the United States Military Academy
• Adam Lucas – Nominated to the United States Air Force Academy and the United States Military Academy
• Tyson Mallas – Nominated to the United States Air Force Academy
• Sammy Matta – Nominated to the United States Naval Academy
• Benjamin Niednagel – Nominated to the United States Air Force Academy and the United States Naval Academy
• Gabriel Ozo – Nominated to the United States Naval Academy and the United States Merchant Marine Academy
• Paul Rodriguez – Nominated to the United States Naval Academy and the United States Merchant Marine Academy
• Kayla Sanchez – Nominated to the United States Air Force Academy
• Matthew Schwarz – Nominated to the United States Naval Academy and the United States Military Academy
  • • Giorgio Simoncioni – Nominated to the United States Air Force Academy, the United States Military Academy, and the United States Naval Academy
• Vivian Smart-Stewart – Nominated to the United States Military Academy
• Diego Soto – Nominated to the United States Naval Academy
• Alexa Tipps – Nominated to the United States Naval Academy
• Armie Toe Pari – Nominated to the United States Air Force Academy
• Aidan Vidic – Nominated to the United States Naval Academy
• Thomas Wunsch – Nominated to the United States Air Force Academy

“I am pleased to nominate 26 outstanding California students to our great U.S. military academies…. These students have shown leadership and dedication to their country through their decision to apply to a U.S. service academy,” stated Garcia. 

These students are expected to submit their applications to their respective schools, and each academy is set to conduct the final selection for admission this spring.

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