Davis Announces Service Academy Nominees for Class of 2025

Press Release

U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today announced that he has nominated 16 local students for admittance to the U.S. Service Academies for the Class of 2025. The nominations for these students were made following an application and interview process. Final determination on admission is made by the individual academies.

"As a Member of Congress, I have the privilege of nominating these accomplished young men and women to our nation's service academies," said Davis. "The honor of attending a service academy comes with an obligation and commitment to serve in the military upon graduation, so I applaud these students for their decision to serve and wish them the best of luck."

Academy Nominations:

Simon Beazly, Decatur, attends Mt. Zion High School and is the son of Randel Beazly and Simone Demirjian-Beazly. He was nominated to the Military Academy (West Point).

Jackson Budwell, Glen Carbon, attends Edwardsville High School and is the son of Richard and Heather Budwell. He was nominated to the Military (West Point), Air Force, and Naval Academies.

Michael Graham, Bloomington, attends the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School (MAPS) and is the son of Kevin Graham and Nora Lembke. He was nominated to the Military Academy (West Point).

Alexa Harris, Edwardsville, attends Edwardsville High School and is the daughter of Robert and Penny Harris. She was nominated to the Air Force Academy.

Joshua Harris, Edwardsville, attended Edwardsville High School and is the son of Tony and Kelly Harris. He was nominated to the Naval Academy.

Robert Hooten, Decatur, attends MacArthur High School and is the son of Aaron and Sierra Hooten. He was nominated to the Air Force and Naval Academies.

Conner Husted, Clinton, attends Clinton High School and is the son of Donald and Jessica Husted. He was nominated to the Naval Academy.

Grant Matarelli, Edwardsville, attends Edwardsville High School and is the son of Kevin and Julie Matarelli. He was nominated to the Air Force Academy.

Austin Payne, Glen Carbon, attends Edwardsville High School and is the son of Eric Payne and Casey Taylor. He was nominated to the Naval Academy.

Jaclene Pranada, Savoy, attends Central High School and is the daughter of Raymond and Willie Pranada. She was nominated to the Air Force Academy.

Andrew Rudolph, Monticello, attends Monticello High School and is the son of Thomas and Heather Rudolph. He was nominated to the Naval and Military (West Point) Academies.

John Schmidt Jr., Girard, attends North Mac High School and is the son of John and Joyce Schmidt. He was nominated to the Naval Academy.

Reagan Skaggs, Decatur, IL/Burke, VA, attends Lake Braddock Secondary School and is the son of Michael and Robin Skaggs. She was nominated to the Air Force and Naval Academies.

Mitchell Steinkuehler, Edwardsville, attends Edwardsville High School and is the son of Frederick and Jane Steinkuehler. He was nominated to the Naval Academy.

Benjamin Thompson, Taylorville, attends Taylorville High School and is the son of Matthew Thompson and Jeana (Steven) Lomprez. He was nominated to the Air Force Academy.

Keely West, Virden, attended Lincoln's Challenge Academy and is the daughter of Steven and Kimberly West. She was nominated to the Military Academy (West Point).

Background:

Members of Congress are asked to nominate candidates to the U.S. Service Academies each year, and the number of vacancies for each congressional district is determined by law. Candidates can be considered for openings at the U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs, Co.), U.S. Merchant Marines Academy (Kings Point, N.Y.), U.S. Military Academy (West Point, N.Y.) and the U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis, Md.).

Service academies offer fully funded four-year scholarships to young U.S. citizens who qualify by age and academics, who demonstrate desirable leadership qualities, and who have the wherewithal to strive for excellence in all their endeavors. A four-year education at one of the service academies has an estimated value of approximately $300,000.

For more information or to obtain an application packet for next year's nominations, contact Congressman Davis' Normal office at (309) 252-8834 or visit his website.

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