GAINESVILLE, GA — Today, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) announced his nomination of 16 students from Georgia’s Ninth District as candidates to the U.S. Service Academies.

Each year, Congressman Clyde nominates eligible candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. Service Academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. The fifth academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.

“It is my honor to nominate these sixteen exceptional students to our nation’s prestigious military academies,” said Clyde. “Each and every nominee possesses remarkable leadership, intellect, and resilience. These patriotic young Georgians epitomize the best of what America has to offer, and I am confident that they will make the Ninth District proud in their future endeavors.”

This year, Rep. Clyde nominated the following candidates to one or more of America’s Service Academies:

Tanner Brannock of Dacula, GA | University of North Georgia | USAFA

Colton Couch of Hoschton, GA | Jackson County High School | USMMA and USNA

Mattox Couch of Hoschton, GA | Jackson County High School | USMMA and USNA

Dion Hawkins of Dacula, GA | Mill Creek High School and Kennesaw State University | USAFA

Bryson Howe of Cleveland, GA | White County High School | USMA and USNA

Yihyun “River” Jung of Lawrenceville, GA | North Gwinnett High School | USAFA, USMA, and USNA

Alexander Lee of Buford, GA | Peachtree Ridge High School | USAFA, USMA, and USNA

Yeonjae “Jenny” Lee of Suwanee, GA | North Gwinnett High School | USAFA and USNA

Mason Litt of Buford, GA | Buford High School | USMA

Marcus Major of Buford, GA | U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School | USAFA

Kalil Mazone of Suwanee, GA | North Gwinnett High School | USMA

Lily Price of Buford, GA | Georgia Military College | USNA

Elijah Richards of Buford, GA | Mill Creek High School | USAFA

Coleman Rudisill of Jefferson, GA | Jefferson High School | USAFA

Allison Shin of Dacula, GA | Mill Creek High School | USMA and USNA

Divya Tiwary of Suwanee, GA | Georgia Military Academy | USAFA

Congressman Clyde’s nominees were recommended by his Service Academy Advisory Board after a highly competitive interview process, which involves students’ academic achievements, leadership skills, and physical aptitude.

Students who receive a nomination to a U.S. Service Academy must still receive appointments of admission. If appointed, they will be offered the distinct honor of earning a higher education with the commitment of serving in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. Students who receive appointments following the competitive process will enter their respective academies this summer.