DURHAM, NC (December 15, 2023) — Today, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04), announced her 2023 nominees to each of the country’s military service academies. Members of Congress are authorized by law to nominate candidates for appointment to four U.S. 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.

“With military recruitment numbers down nationally, ensuring that our military leaders are of the highest caliber has become increasingly important. I have been incredibly impressed by the accomplishments of this year’s applicants. The diligence they have shown during their high school careers to earn these nominations demonstrates their continued dedication and commitment,” said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04). “I wish all of these nominees the best as they move forward in the military academy appointment process, and I am eager to see their leadership at work for our nation’s armed forces.”

Congresswoman Foushee named the following nominees to the four service academies:
 
U.S. Air Force Academy

• William Naismith — Carrboro High School
• Allie Misenheimer — Eno River Academy
• Grayson Spencer — Carrboro High School

U.S. Naval Academy

• Gabriel Bloch — SAM Bloch School
• Amara Chambers —Eno River Academy
• Benjamin Burtram — Fork Union Military Academy
• Madeline Armes — Bahrain Military High School
• Sebastian Motalvo — Jordan High School
• Justin Losey — Jordan High School
• Isaac Lee — Lee Academy
• Sofia Calle — Cardinal Gibbons High School
• Kenzo Valentin — Carrboro High School
• Connor Mehan — Chapel Hill High School
• Francisco Forrester — Riverside High School

U.S. Military Academy, West Point

• Edward Wang — Chapel Hill High School
• Jaden Butler — Riverside High School
• Harry Wilson — NC School of Science and Math
• Greg-Daniel Matsouaka — Green Level High School

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

• Charles Wheeler — Manteo 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.