February 09, 2026

Congresswoman Foushee Announces 2026 Nominees to U.S. Military Service Academies

DURHAM, NC (February 9, 2026) — Today, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04) announced 22 students from North Carolina’s Fourth Congressional District received nominations for admission into our nation’s four service academies: the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

“It is an honor each year to nominate exceptional students from my district to our nation’s prestigious service academies,” said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04). “This next generation of leaders is shaping our country through their hard work, commitment to service, and outstanding leadership. I am very proud of their academic and extracurricular accomplishments, and I wish them the best as they move forward in the military academy appointment process.”

Congresswoman Valerie Foushee named the following nominees to the nation’s four service academies:

  • Theon Always-Townsend — U.S. Military Academy (Emerson Waldorf School)

  • Zoe Bartel — U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Ambassador Christian School)

  • Cameron Daniels — U.S. Military Academy (Jordan High School)

  • Robert Forrest — U.S. Military Academy (Holly Springs High School)

  • Matthew Gao — U.S. Air Force Academy (Durham Academy)

  • Arjun Gopalakrishna — U.S. Military Academy (Hargrave Military Academy)

  • Troy Gordon — U.S. Air Force Academy (NC School Of Science and Math)

  • Sam Han — U.S. Air Force Academy (Green Hope High School)

  • Grace Hawse — U.S. Naval Academy (Green Level High School)

  • Kanen Heffernan — U.S. Military Academy (Holly Springs High School)

  • Sloane Hunter — U.S. Military Academy (Carrboro High School)

  • Daniel Martin — U.S. Naval Academy (NC School of Science and Math)

  • Sebastian Mazur — U.S. Air Force Academy (Research Triangle High School)

  • Vineeth Nair — U.S. Naval Academy (Panther Creek High School)

  • Jackson Nobles — U.S. Military Academy (Orange High School)

  • Wyatt Nobles — U.S. Military Academy (Orange High School)

  • Avi Shukla — U.S. Air Force Academy (Enloe High School)

  • Aarav Singh — U.S. Naval Academy (Panther Creek High School)

  • Alexandra Slavis — U.S. Naval Academy (Apex High School)

  • Tara Talwar — U.S. Air Force Academy (Green Level High School)

  • Waylon Vose — U.S. Military Academy (Seaforth High School)

  • Muyang Yi — U.S. Air Force Academy (Crossroads Flex High School)

Receiving a nomination does not guarantee admission to an academy. However, a nomination from an approved nomination source is a requirement to receive an appointment. An academy appointment acceptance comes with a 5-year service obligation after the completion of 4 years at an academy. For further information on eligibility requirements and how to pursue an appointment to a military service academy please visit the website of the academy of choice.