SCHMIDT

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By FRANK LEWIS

PDT Staff Writer

High School students from Scioto and other counties in Ohio’s Second Congressional District interested in attending one of the U.S. military academies are being invited to a service academy information night from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 12, at Ripley Union Lewis Huntington High School, 1317 S. Second St. (U.S. 52) in the Brown County village of Ripley. The event is sponsored by Congresswoman Jean Schmidt (R-2nd).

In addition to Scioto County, Ohio’s Second Congressional District includes all of Clermont, Brown, Adams, and Pike counties as well as parts of Hamilton and Warren counties. Also welcome are parents, teachers and high school counselors.

“One of the best things about my job is to be able to nominate students from my district to our nation’s military academies,” Schmidt said. “Every year I have been amazed at the talent and achievements of these young men and women. I applaud their patriotism and desire to serve in the greatest military in the world.”

Schmidt said students will learn the requirements and procedures to obtain a congressional nomination to attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. (Army); the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y.

Members of Congress don’t nominate candidates to the Coast Guard Academy, but a representative of that branch will also participate in the April 12 event.

“The service academies are looking for individuals who are well-rounded – academically, physically, and socially – who have demonstrated leadership qualities, community service, and a strong desire to serve in the military as an officer,” Schmidt said.

Academies usually make appointments by the spring of the following year. Schmidt said students seeking a nomination should begin the process in the spring of their junior year, but all high school students interested in seeking admission may attend the April 12 event. Anyone wanting more information may call Congresswoman Schmidt’s office at 513-791-0381.

Frank Lewis may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 232, or at flewis@heartlandpublications.com