Congressman Rouzer Announces 28 U.S. Military Service Academy Nominations

February 6, 2026
For Immediate Release
Contact: Caroline French, (202) 225-2731

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Congressman David Rouzer (NC-07) announced today the nomination of 28 students from North Carolina's 7th Congressional District for appointments to the United States Military Service Academies.

"It is truly a privilege to support these remarkable young men and women as they commit to serving our nation," said Congressman Rouzer. "These individuals represent the very best of our community and the future of American leadership. I look forward to celebrating this great achievement with each of them."

The U.S. Military Service Academies are renowned for providing the highest standard of undergraduate education while training the next generation of commissioned officers. Each year, Congressman Rouzer has the distinct privilege of nominating qualified students for consideration to these prestigious institutions. Their commitment to duty, honor, and country represents the very best of North Carolina.

Later this February, a reception will be held to recognize these nominees and celebrate their commitment to service.

Sloan Anderson, North Brunswick High School, received a nomination to the United States Military Academy.

Gabriel Arce, South Brunswick High School, received a nomination to the United States Naval Academy.

Gabriel Archibald, John T. Hoggard High School, received nominations to the United States Air Force Academy and United States Naval Academy.

Benjamin Artemenko, home education, received a nomination to the United States Military Academy.

Sadie Baumgard, Southport Christian School, received a nomination to the United States Naval Academy.

Adrian Christina, Gray's Creek High School, received a nomination to the United States Military Academy.

Jack Donatelle, currently serving in the United States Army, received a nomination to the United States Military Academy.

Diana Good, home education, received nominations to the United States Air Force Academy and United States Naval Academy.

Elijah Hart, Fayetteville Christian School, received nominations to the United States Military Academy and United States Naval Academy.

Jefferson Hill, Whiteville High School, received a nomination to the United States Military Academy.

Hailey Hoaglund, Pine Forest High School, received nominations to the United States Air Force Academy and United States Naval Academy.

James Hodges, Pine Forest High School, received a nomination to the United States Naval Academy.

Joshua Knuth, Bladen Early College High School, received nominations to the United States Air Force Academy and United States Military Academy.

Connor Lewis, John T. Hoggard High School, received a nomination to the United States Air Force Academy.

Emilio Mandes-Santiago, Jack Britt High School, received nominations to the United States Military Academy and United States Naval Academy.

Sebastian Mandes-Santiago, Jack Britt High School, received nominations to the United States Air Force Academy, United States Military Academy, and United States Naval Academy.

David Milbourne, Reid Ross Classical High School, received a nomination to the United States Air Force Academy.

Tyler Moore, Northwood Temple Academy, received nominations to the United States Naval Academy and United States Air Force Academy.

Leilany Morales, Kaiserslautern High School, received nominations to the United States Air Force Academy, United States Military Academy, and United States Naval Academy.

Sean Nebioglu, Private Okyanus Mavisehir Anatolian High School, Turkey, received nominations to the United States Military Academy and United States Naval Academy.

Jolie Nguyen, Terry Sanford High School, received a nomination to the United States Air Force Academy.

Michael Peterson, North Brunswick High School, received nominations to the United States Air Force Academy and United States Naval Academy.

Owen Reece, Topsail High School, received nominations to the United States Air Force Academy and United States Naval Academy.

Madison Richardson, West Brunswick High School, received a nomination to the United States Air Force Academy.

Moeid Shahood, Fayetteville Academy, received nominations to the United States Air Force Academy and United States Military Academy.

Landon Smith, Gray's Creek High School, received a nomination to the United States Air Force Academy.

William Vorus, Wilmington Early College High School, received a nomination to the United States Merchant Marine Academy.

Connor Wilkerson, West Brunswick High School, received a nomination to the United States Military Academy.

While a congressional nomination is a vital and required step for most military service academy applicants, it does not guarantee admission. The final selection and offer of appointment rest solely with the admissions office of each respective academy.

For more information on the U.S. Military Service Academy nomination process, students, parents, and educators are invited to attend the U.S. Service Academy Information Forum on Saturday, April 25, or visit Congressman Rouzer's website at Rouzer.house.gov.

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