WASHINGTON DC (December 23, 2019) — Senator Charles "Chuck" Grassley has nominated 50 Iowa students to be considered for appointments to the US service academies.
“These young Iowans who want to enter the academies and serve our country are a remarkable reflection on our state. Their accomplishments, leadership and desire to serve are exceptional, and signal continued excellence in the US armed forces,” Sen Grassley said.
Each year, Sen Grassley has the opportunity as a US senator to nominate either current or future Iowa high school graduates for a select few service academy placements. The US Air Force Academy, US Military Academy, and US Naval Academy all select at least one qualified student from Grassley’s nominations. The US Merchant Marine Academy makes selections in proportion to states’ representation in Congress.
Sen Grassley encourages Iowa students to consider applying to more than one service academy due to the highly competitive nature of admissions. Iowa members serving in the US House of Representatives make nominations in addition to both of Iowa’s US senators. Students may receive more than one nomination.
Students interested in academy appointments should begin the application process in the spring of their junior year of high school. Early application is encouraged. The academies select students based on the number of vacancies available for the next school year.
“The academies offer some of the best options for higher education as well as an outstanding way to serve our country. It’s a tremendous opportunity for young Iowans,” Sen Grassley said.
Traditionally, the high quality of Iowa nominees results in several Iowa students being offered admission to attend each of the service academies. These students then choose whether to attend the academy. More information about service academy nominations can be found here.
Sen Grassley will make announcements as academy appointments are offered to Iowans.
The list of Sen Grassley’s nominees for the 2020–2021 school year follows.
US Military Academy at West Point
Kaylah Ajram-Wright — Cedar Rapids
Jacob Baier — Ankeny
Samuel Cotton — Bettendorf
Margaret Cristoforo — Mount Pleasant
Christopher Cumberbatch — Davenport
Chloe David — Granger
Ethan Flege — Waverly
Grace Greer — Iowa City
MaryClare Greer — Iowa City
Emma Holesinger — Dubuque
Patrick Junker — Waukee
Noah Kohut-Jackson — Cambridge
Carson Parker — Story City
James Pinter — Iowa City
Ambria Pipho — Decorah
Luke Posegate — Grimes
Grace Ries — Asbury
Mikail Syed — Iowa City
Jerry Vesey — Bettendorf
Wynn Yeager — Winterset
US Naval Academy
Bryce Anstoetter — Dubuque
Ryan Dougherty — Sioux City
Mason Dunn — Bettendorf
Madison Foht — Davenport
Nicholas McGowan — Sioux City
Ambria Pipho — Decorah
Benson Redfern — Cedar Falls
Bryce Green-Repollo — Urbandale
William Rolfstad — Davenport
Donovan Thornhill — Cedar Rapids
US Merchant Marine
Madison Foht — Davenport
Nicole Masteller — Des Moines
Lucas Miller — Urbandale
Jacob Nelson — Bettendorf
Donovan Thornhill — Cedar Rapids
Jonathan Wargo — West Branch
US Air Force Academy
John Bell — Waterloo
Scott Bell — Altoona
Anthony Cordes — Avoca
Anton Dahm — Bettendorf
Chloe David — Granger
Jacob DeJohn — Urbandale
Keegan Eitter — Asbury
Mitchell Engelbart — Wyoming
Emma Holesinger — Dubuque
Jacob Hrasky — Treynor
Jacob James — Council Bluffs
Olivia Lewis — Bettendorf
Nicole Masteller — Des Moines
Brooke Netcott — Davenport
Connor Pickhinke — Early
Elliot Potter — Cedar Rapids
Hunter Sherry — Boone
Jacob Torresi — Ames
Jordyn Wagner — Clive
Rebecca Wright — Center Point
