WASHINGTON – Senator Tom Harkin late last week nominated 53 Iowa students for appointments to the U.S. Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, Merchant Marine Academy and Military Academy, West Point for the 2014 class.
Mason City High School senior Lauren Casey has been nominated to the U.S. Military Academy. Lauren is the daughter of Shelly and Edward Casey.
“An academy nomination is a great honor. Not only is there intense competition across the State of Iowa, but in order for an individual to be nominated, he or she must demonstrate superior leadership, academic, and athletic abilities,” Harkin said. “Nominees also must exhibit the necessary motivation for serving in the demanding role of a career military officer and be of outstanding moral character. I am pleased to nominate these students and would like to congratulate them for their many outstanding achievements.”
In a typical year, Harkin receives more than 150 applications from young Iowans interested in pursuing a career as a military officer. Students apply for admission to 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; or the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York.
Academy nomination finalists are interviewed by Senator Harkin’s Academy Selection Board, during which time their motivation, poise and self-expression are measured. Harkin may nominate up to ten applicants to compete for each available vacancy. From the Senator’s nominees, the academy then selects the final candidate who will be offered an appointment.
