Senator Jay Rockefeller today announced the nomination of several area students to military academies. Among those nominated by the Senator are William Wheatley, Jr., a student at Washington High School in Charles Town, for an appointment to the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y.

“William has the kind of skills and traits I look for when nominating young men and women to our military service academies,” Rockefeller said. “I’m sure he’ll be a fantastic addition to the Merchant Marine Academy.”

William’s parents are William and Kimberly Wheatley of Harpers Ferry. William is a member of the Washington High School Key Club and a top-ranked tennis player.

Also nominated to the Merchant Marine Academy is Travis Stely, a student at Martinsburg High.

“Travis is so well-rounded and works hard in and out of the classroom,” Rockefeller said. “I’m sure he’ll be a fantastic addition to the Merchant Marine Academy.”

A member of the Martinsburg High School football team, Travis has a head start on higher education by taking classes at Potomac State College. He has a 3.8 grade point average, is a captain of his wrestling team and is a member of the Martinsburg High ski club. His parents are Edward and Amy Stely of Martinsburg.

Also nominated to the Merchant Marine Academy was Matthew Hobbs, a student at Jefferson High School.

“Matt is a bright, committed student and is a leader in his school and his community,” Rockefeller said. “The Merchant Marine Academy will soon find out just how wonderful a young man Matt is.”

An Eagle Scout who is a flight commander for the Junior ROTC, Matthew volunteers at the Charles Town food bank. His parents are Paul and Stacey Hobbs of Harpers Ferry.

Alexander Reimer, a student at Martinsburg High School, was named for an appointment to the Merchant Marine Academy.

“Alex knows what it takes to be a great student and leader,” Rockefeller said. “I think he’ll be a great appointee to the Merchant Marine Academy.”

A student at Martinsburg High school, Alexander is the son of Stanley and Doris Reimer of Kearneysville. He’s active as a Youth in Government representative, is on the Bulldog swim team and is an Eagle Scout.

Kyler Martin, a student at Hedgesville High School, was also nominated to the Merchant Marine Academy.

“Kyler has so much going for him,” Rockefeller said. “He’s such a well-rounded young man, and excels at each and every thing he sets his mind to. I have no doubt he’ll do the same if appointed to the Merchant Marine Academy.”

Kyler is the son of Gary and Michelle Martin of Hedgesville. He carries a 3.416 grade point average at Hedgesville High School, where he is was captain of the Eagles football team. He is a first lieutenant in the junior ROTC, a delegate to Mountaineer Boys State and a soup kitchen volunteer.

Kimberly Smith, a student at Jefferson High School, was nominated for an appointment to the Merchant Marine Academy as well.

“Kim impressed me because she is able to excel in the classroom while accomplishing so much outside of it,” Rockefeller said. “The Merchant Marine Academy would be well-served by choosing Kim for appointment.”

Kimberly is the daughter of Charles and Gudelia Smith of Harpers Ferry. She carries a 3.6 grade point average at Jefferson High School, where she is in the symphonic and marching bands; involved in student government; and is the Group Commander of the Air Force Junior ROTC in Jefferson County.

Also nominated was John Bryant, a student at Jefferson High School.

“John already has a military background with his leadership in the junior ROTC program, so I think he’s a natural fit for the Merchant Marine Academy,” Rockefeller said. “I believe John is going to go far.”

The son of Michael and Kelle Bryant, John is a Air Force Junior ROTC Flight Commander and a member of his church’s youth group. He’s also captain of the Jefferson High School wrestling team and plays football for the Cougars.

Rockefeller has nominated Ryan Graf, a student at Jefferson High School, for an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.

“Ryan is an impressive young man whose accomplishments resonate far beyond the classroom,” Rockefeller said. “He is a great candidate for appointment to the Air Force Academy and has a bright future ahead of him.”

A Charles Town native, Ryan was a representative at Mountaineer Boys State and a standout cross country and track and field athlete at Jefferson High School, where he set a school record in the 4×800. A member of the National Honor Society, he scored well on the ACT and carries a 3.6 grade point average. His parents are Michael and Diane Graf.

Also nominated to the Air Force Academy was Natalie Reinford, an honors student at Washington High School.

“I can’t say enough about Natalie, and what a fine West Virginian she is,” Rockefeller said. “She’s a scholar, athlete and leader. She has all of the accomplishments and skills the Air Force looks for in Academy appointees.”

Natalie is involved in student government and soccer at Washington High School, where she carries a 3.79 grade point average-placing her in the top 15 percent of her class. She also scored well on the ACT. The daughter of John Reinford and Michele Smith of Summit Point, Natalie is a youth soccer program volunteer.

Alexander Brown, a student at Martinsburg High School, was also nominated for an appointment to the Air Force Academy.

“I was amazed at how well-rounded Alex is, and how great he is in everything he does,” Rockefeller said. “His work ethic and leadership qualities would make him a remarkable addition to the Air Force Academy.”

Alexander lives in Martinsburg with his mother, Ann Brown. His father, Robert, resides in Texas. He carries a 3.44 grade point average at Martinsburg High School and scored well on the ACT. He is a three-year member of the Air Force Junior ROTC program, serving as Deputy Group Commander; a state finalist in the American Legion Oratorical Contest; senior class president; and a member of the marching and concert bands.

Rockefeller announced the nomination of Luisa Holland, an honors student at Jefferson High School, to an appointment to the United States Naval Academy.

“I found Luisa to be an extremely well-rounded young woman who has had success in everything she’s done,” Rockefeller said. “The Naval Academy would be fortunate to have her.”

A 4.0 student at Jefferson High School who scored very well on the SAT, Luisa is a four-year member of the Air Force Junior ROTC, currently serving as Deputy Group Commander. She is also a two-year editor of the school yearbook and four-year member of the varsity swim team. Her parents are George and Rocchina Holland of Harpers Ferry.

Rockefeller also announced the nomination of Kaitlyn Jan, an honors student at Frankfort High School, to an appointment to the United States Naval Academy.

“Katie is nothing short of amazing,” Rockefeller said. “She’s a standout as a student, an athlete and is just an incredible candidate for the Naval Academy. I’m proud to offer her my nomination.”

Kaitlyn has already received a letter of assurance from the Naval Academy. She carries a 4.2 grade point average, scored extremely well on the SAT, and is a member of the track, basketball and Quiz Bowl teams at Frankfort High School. Kaitlyn lives with her parents, Kolin and Pamela Jan, in Ridgeley.

Joseph Gentile, an honors student at Hedgesville High School, was nominated to an appointment to the Naval Academy.

“Joseph has accomplished so much in such a short time. He’s a very impressive young man,” Rockefeller said. “The Naval Academy is the perfect place for Joseph.”

Joseph is the son of David and Ann Gentile of Martinsburg, and a student at Hedgesville High School, where he carries a 4.7 grade point average and ranks second in his graduating class. He’s vice president of the Spanish National Honors Society; is on the varsity track and soccer teams; and a member of the jazz band.

Rockefeller announced the nomination of Anna Stevens, an honors student at Musselman High School, to an appointment to the United States Military Academy in West Point, N.Y.

“Anna is nothing short of amazing,” Rockefeller said. “She’s a great student, athlete and leader in her school and community. I’m excited to offer her a nomination to West Point.”

Anna carries a 4.2 grade point average, scored well on the ACT and is a member of the National Honors Society. She is also Group Commander for the Air Force Junior ROTC in Berkeley County. A Special Olympics volunteer, Anna lives with her parents, Glenn II and Amanda Stevens, in Inwood.