"I would like to congratulate these students for their many outstanding achievements," Harkin said. "An academy nomination is a great honor because of the intense competition for these nominations across the state of Iowa."
In a typical year, Harkin receives more than 150 applications from young Iowans interested in pursuing a career as a military officer. Students apply for admission to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado; or the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York.
Academy nomination finalists are interviewed by Senator Harkin's Academy Selection Board, during which time their motivation, poise and self-expression are measured. Harkin may nominate up to ten applicants to compete for each available vacancy. From the Senator's nominees, the academy then selects the final candidate who will be offered an appointment.
"In order for an individual to be nominated, he or she must demonstrate superior leadership, academic and athletic abilities," Harkin said. "Nominees also must exhibit the necessary motivation for serving in the demanding role of a career military officer and be of outstanding moral character."
After March 1, 2011, men and women between the ages of 17 and 22 who are interested in pursuing a nomination to one of the academies for the class entering in 2011, should go to http://harkin.senate.gov and complete Senator Harkin's online Service Academy application, or they may contact Senator Harkin's Cedar Rapids Office at (319)365-4504.
A list of this year's Quad Cities area nominees is below.
Bettendorf
Andrew Peterman has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Andrew is the son of Carolyn and George Peterman and is a senior at Bettendorf High School.
Blue Grass
Samual Godwin has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Samual is the son of Mary and Steve Godwin and is a senior at Davenport West High School.
Davenport
Samuel Larson has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Samuel is the son of Cynthia and David Larson and is a senior at Bettendorf High School.
Maquoketa
Isaac Kinrade has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Isaac is the son of Julia and Steven Kinrade and is a senior at Maquoketa High School.
Muscatine
Tyler Husar has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Tyler is the son of Cindy and Mark Husar and is a senior at Muscatine High School.