U.S. Rep. Howard “Buck” McKeon announced his 2012 military service academy nominations Friday.

“I am pleased to announce my Military Service Academy Nominations for 2012,” said Congressman McKeon. “These students have undergone a long and rigorous application process which includes physical evaluations, physical fitness tests and interviews.

“I commend these students for their hard work and am proud to offer nominations to each of them. Our country is fortunate to have young men and women like these who wish to defend our freedom and protect our country.”

McKeon’s nominees from the Santa Clarita Valley include:

Academy of the Canyons

Diana Munoz – Air Force, Merchant Marine

Canyon High

Michael James Glasgow – West Point

Hart High

Luke Maxfield – West Point, Annapolis

Jared Taylor Turner – Annapolis, Merchant Marine

Samuel Peckham – Annapolis

Ryan Dolan – Annapolis

Santa Clarita Christian

Daniel Gordon Curry – Annapolis, Air Force

Saugus High

Jared Carbajal – West Point

Valencia High

Michael James Smith – West Point

Tyler Dimson – Air Force

West Ranch

Christian Dadulak – West Point, Merchant Marine

Ashley Welker – Annapolis

Daniel Ruppert – Air Force

Cheyenne Schloffman – Air Force

While earning a nomination does not guarantee selection for an appointment to a military academy, these students have proven to be among the most competitive students in the nation. To receive an offer of appointment to the U.S. Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy or Merchant Marine Academy, an individual must (1) apply to the academy of choice and (2) apply for a nomination from a nominating source. These sources are the President, Vice President, U.S. Senator, U.S. Congressman, etc.  Applications to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy do not require a nomination.