Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today announced her nominations for candidates from Central New York and the Mohawk Valley to three of the nation’s leading service institutions: the United States Naval, Merchant Marine, and Military Academies.
“I am honored to nominate such dedicated and talented students to our nation’s service academies. They have demonstrated exemplary leadership abilities and an outstanding academic record, as well as a passion to serve our nation,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Our service academies cultivate top-tier officers who bravely protect our nation, and I look forward to these nominees’ successes as they further their education and continue their commitment to our country in the armed forces.”
A selection committee formed by Senator Gillibrand chose the nominees from a large group of qualified applicants. Decisions were based on criteria including academic record, leadership potential, and overall achievement. Final acceptance is determined solely by the service academies.
The United States service academies offer a first-class education as well as the chance for young people to serve our country upon graduation as commissioned officers in the United States Armed Services. This year, Senator Gillibrand nominated five candidates from Central New York and the Mohawk Valley to the service academies.
Senator Gillibrand’s nominees are listed below by their hometown and academies:
- Ariana Cruz-Harris (Solvay, Onondaga County) – U.S. Naval Academy
- Malachy Reagan (Marcellus, Onondaga County) – U.S. Naval Academy
- Daniel Ruggiero (Cortland, Cortland County) – U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
- Andrew Ryan (Cortland, Cortland County) – U.S. Military Academy
- Paul Zimmer (Oneonta, Otsego County) – U.S. Naval Academy