WASHINGTON D.C.- U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, chair of the Senate Armed Services Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee, announced her nominations for candidates from the Hudson Valley to three of the nation’s service academies: the United States Military Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, and the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
“These young leaders represent the best and brightest New York has to offer, and I am honored to nominate them to our nation’s service academies,” said Senator Gillibrand. “They have demonstrated extraordinary leadership, academic achievement, and dedication to their communities and country, and I hope to see them go on to become exceptional military leaders. I congratulate all nominees on this achievement.”
A selection committee formed by Senator Gillibrand chose the nominees from a large group of qualified applicants. Decisions were based on criteria including academic record, leadership potential, and overall achievement. Final acceptance is determined solely by the service academies.
The United States service academies offer a first-class education as well as a chance for young people to serve our country upon graduation as commissioned officers in the United States armed services. This year, Senator Gillibrand nominated twelve candidates from the Hudson Valley to the service academies.
Senator Gillibrand’s nominees are listed below by their hometown and academies:
- Aidan Michael Rodriguez (Highland Falls, Orange Co.) – U.S. Military Academy
- Aiden Marco Meza (Lincolndale, Westchester Co.) – U.S. Military Academy
- Ailish MacDonnell (Tappan, Rockland Co.) – U.S. Military Academy
- Audrey Caesar (Monroe, Orange Co.) – U.S. Military Academy
- Benny Juan Quinones (West Point, Orange Co.) – U.S. Military Academy
- Maya Montalvo (Cortlandt Manor, Westchester Co.) – U.S. Military Academy
- Mia Teresino Ponzo (Walden, Orange Co.) – U.S. Military Academy
- Karthik Kottapalli (Scarsdale, Westchester Co.) – U.S. Air Force Academy
- Keilah Om (Nanuet, Rockland Co.) – U.S. Air Force Academy
- Sebastian Goldstein (Yorktown Heights, Westchester Co.) – U.S. Air Force Academy
- Tyshan Shamar Mitchell (Montgomery, Orange Co.) – U.S. Air Force Academy
- Fredy Iasenza (Harrison, Westchester Co.) – U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
