U.S. Rep. Howard “Buck” McKeon hosted a luncheon recently at College of the Canyons for 10 high school students from the 25th Congressional District who’ve been appointed to military service academies and preparatory schools.

Each year, members of Congress submit nominations of students from their districts for admissions to one of the four service academies – the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., and the Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y.

There were 10 students from the 25th Congressional District who have been offered appointments to the four U.S. Service Academies.

At the U.S. Military Academy Taylor Gaff, Jennifer Johnson, Spencer Klehn and John Paul Seabury were appointed. The U.S. Naval Academy appointed Nicholas Finks and Theodore Papenthien.

Trevor Noble and Kayla Tinucci earned a spot in the U.S. Air Force Academy. Dean Everett Risse earned a spot at the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School. Benjamin Young will attend the New Mexico Military Institute.

Students entering the service academies will receive formal military training, a bachelor’s degree and an officer’s commission in one of the four branches of the military.

The students from the 25th District were honored and celebrated for their achievements and what is to come for them at the June 14 luncheon.

McKeon took pride in the appointees of his district as they prepared to embark upon the next journey of their military careers, he said in a statement. He also spoke to the students about the value of their academy experiences.

“It is an honor to recognize our next generation of military leaders here today. You embark on your mission of service in an age of complex diversity and challenges…” he said. “I have great faith in your ability to defend our nation and apply the power of your morals, scruples and training to adapt to any threat to liberty. I am very proud of all our students who were admitted to our nation’s service academies and preparatory schools this year.”

At the luncheon, McKeon added how excited he is for what these students will accomplish and seeing them grow to be great leaders. “This is one of my favorite days of the year, getting to meet these young people going to the academies and their families. It is such a neat experience to see what these young people will become.”

“You will go through a growing experience attending these academies… you will go in an embryo and come out a leader,” he told the appointees.

The students receiving appointments will enter the academies this fall.

– Angelina Bryan