Congressman Jim Cooper

Representing the 5th District of Tennessee

12 AREA STUDENTS NOMINATED FOR FULL SCHOLARSHIPS TO SERVICE ACADEMIES

Jan 23, 2006
Press Release

 

NASHVILLE - U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper announced that 12 area students have been selected for nomination to one of the U.S. Service Academies for the Class of 2010.

 

"These nominees are truly outstanding students and I am proud to be able to nominate them as candidates for admission to one of the U.S. Service Academies," Cooper said. "They have proven to be exceptional students, leaders and citizens. I am confident that they will represent our community with honor and serve our nation with great dedication and valor."

The candidates went through an extensive nominating process. All applicants were required to complete an application, write an essay, and participate in interviews by the Congressman's Academy Selection Committee, a group of community leaders, Academy alumni and retired military officers. Each student was considered based on his or her grade point average, SAT scores, and class rank. In addition, leadership experience, motivation and writing skills were also taken into account for nomination to one of the nation's most prestigious institutions.

Students nominated for the academies are:

  • Brett Alden, a resident of Mt. Juliet and student at Wilson Central High School; nominated to the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
  • Ben Bellet, a resident of Nashville and student at Montgomery Bell Academy; nominated to the U.S. Military Academy.
  • Alex Cheij, a resident of Nashville and student at Father Ryan High School; nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy.
  • Frederick Denson, a resident of Nashville and student at Montgomery Bell Academy; nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
  • John Kelly, a resident of Nashville and student at Battle Ground Academy; nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy.
  • Jordan Klein, a resident of Bellevue and student at Montgomery Bell Academy; nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy.
  • Houston Nelson, a resident of Bellevue and student at Montgomery Bell Academy; nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy.
  • David Oldham, a resident of Nashville and student at Father Ryan High School; nominated to the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
  • Caleb Sanders, a resident of Nashville and student at Hume-Fogg Academic High School; nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy.
  • Karen Smith, a resident of Mt. Juliet and student at Mt. Juliet High School; nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy.
  • Stephen Tesauro, a resident of Antioch and student at Hume-Fogg Academic High School; nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy.
  • Coleman Ward, a resident of Bellevue and student at Hume-Fogg Academic High School; nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

Each year, Members of Congress nominate students from their district to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY, the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD, the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, CO, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY. If appointed, the students will enter the designated academy in June 2006 and receive a full scholarship. Upon graduation, they will receive a bachelor's degree, achieve the rank of Second Lieutenant or Ensign (Navy) and will serve at least five years in military service before continuing their military career, entering a civilian profession, or furthering their academic endeavors.