Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., today congratulated 15 outstanding West Virginia high school seniors who received her congressional nomination as part of the application process to attend one of four United States Service Academies. Capito hosted “Academy Days” throughout the 2nd Congressional District and nominated each of the listed students.

“I am thrilled for each of the students to have an opportunity to be selected to attend one of our nation’s four prestigious academic institutions. These students are experiencing a rigorous application process where only the best and brightest are admitted. One of my most humbling responsibilities as a Member of Congress is nominating talented West Virginians to attend our nation’s service academies and ultimately serve in the military. It is my sincere pleasure to nominate each of these students, and I look forward to them representing the state of West Virginia with honor if they are selected.” stated Capito.

Selected students include the following: U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA): Quentin Buckley, son of Charles and Kathy Buckley, Poca High School; Alexander John Brown, son of Ann R. Brown and Robert A. Brown, Martinsburg High School; Ryan Thomas Graf. son of Michael Graf and Diane Graf, Jefferson High School. U.S. Military Academy (USMA): Sean Michael Dennison, son of Anthony J. Dennison, III and Sandra Dennison. Home School; Samantha Grey Harris, daughter of Calvin Grey Harris, II and Cynthia Harris, Charleston Catholic High School. U.S Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA): Kyler Mitchell Martin, son of Michelle Martin, Hedgesville High School; Caleb Edward Barnette, son of Scott and Robin Barnette, George Washington High School; Charles J. Hageboeckon of Charles R. & Samantha Hageboeck, George Washington High School; U.S. Naval Academy (USNA): Christian Scott Smith (* also nominated to USMA), son of Raymond Scott and Lesley L. Smith, Home School; Joseph Lachlan Wright, son of Phil and Julia Wright. Capital High School; Joseph Vincent Gentile, son of Ann and David Gentile, Hedgesville High School; Luisa Angelica Holland, daughter of Rocchina and George Holland, Jefferson High School; Levi Zacchaeus Moreland, son of Micah Moreland and Lydia Moreland; Hampshire County High School; Kimberly K. Smith, daughter of Charles Smith and Gudelia Smith, Jefferson High School; William Bartley Wheatley, Jr., son of Bart Wheatley and Kim Wheatley, Washington High School