New York, NY – Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced her nominations for candidates from the Capital Region to three of the nation’s service academies: the United States Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, and the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
“It is my distinct honor to nominate some of the best and brightest individuals from the Capital Region to the nation’s service academies,” said Senator Gillibrand. “These young leaders have demonstrated exemplary academic achievement and dedication to their communities and nation. I look forward to seeing all that they achieve, and I thank them for their commitment to our country.”
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 a chance for young people to serve our country upon graduation as commissioned officers in the United States armed services. This year, Senator Gillibrand nominated seven candidates from the Capital Region to the service academies.
Senator Gillibrand’s nominees are listed below by their hometown and academies:
- Alara Crisafulli (Voorheesville, Albany Co.) – United States Military Academy
- Zexi Wang (Slingerlands, Albany Co.) – United States Military Academy
- Rachel Gerber (Greenville, Greene Co.) – United States Military Academy
- Ava Varghese (Delmar, Albany Co.) – United States Naval Academy
- Yunhan Chen (Cohoes, Albany Co.) – United States Merchant Marine Academy
- Cole Wiesner (Mechanicville, Saratoga Co.) – United States Merchant Marine Academy
- Jason Ludlow (Lake George, Warren Co.) – United States Military Academy
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