Thompson: A Friendly Reminder to High School Seniors; Military Academies Application Process Will Be Starting Soon

Washington, D.C.—Representative Glenn `GT' Thompson, R-Howard, today announced October 3, 2011, as the deadline for high school seniors to apply for nomination through the Bellefonte District Office for acceptance into one of the four military academies for the year 2012.

"For Seniors interested in applying to the academies, it is time to circle that date on your calendar and start putting together the required materials," Thompson explained.

Thompson's website, www.thompson.house.gov, has all the information on the application process under the title of "Services," including an on-line application.

The basic requirements for applying for a nomination are:

The candidate must be at least 17 years old but not have passed his or her 23rd birthday;

Must be a U.S. citizen at time of application;

Must be unmarried, not pregnant, and without legal obligation to support children or other dependents;

Must reside within the boundaries of the 5th Congressional District of Pennsylvania;

And must be able to meet the medical, physical and academic requirements set forth by the academies.

"Nominating young men and women to the academies is one of the distinct privileges I have as representative for the 5th District of Pennsylvania," added Thompson. "I want to ensure that those interested in the process are fully prepared to take advantage of this great opportunity to serve our country and receive a outstanding education."

The four academies that accept nominations through U.S. government representatives are: the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York. The remaining U.S. Coast Guard Academy at New London, Connecticut accepts candidates based on its own testing criteria.

Should potential applicants have further questions, they can phone Thompson's Bellefonte office at (814) 353-0215.

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