Hirono Announces Class of 2026 Nominees to the United States Service Academies

Press Release

Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) announced the nomination of 38 Hawaii students to U.S. military service academies for the Class of 2026. The academies now consider the students' applications for final selections.

"Every year, I have the honor of nominating some of Hawaii's top students to the military service academies," Senator Hirono said. "I am proud to help expand opportunities for these talented young people who have shown a commitment to hard work, community engagement, academic excellence, a commitment to physical fitness and outstanding personal character. Each of these candidates, should they be selected, will be excellent representatives of and for Hawaii and our community."

Today's announcement includes Senator Hirono's nominations for the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy uses a separate nomination process. Prospective students are measured on their scholastic achievement, leadership experience, school involvement, athletic and extra-curricular activities, community contributions, and volunteer or employment experiences. Nomination does not guarantee appointment.

The nominees are now considered by each academy's director of admissions.

Senator Hirono's Class of 2026 Academy Nominations are:

U.S. Air Force Academy

Connor Apo, Saint Louis School
Harley Ceberano, Punahou School
Caleb Chumley, Maui Preparatory Academy
Joshua Dutton, Punahou School
Tiffany Eddy, Yokota High School (DOD)
Franz Hafner, Waianae High School
Emma Layaoen, Punahou School
Megan Leong, Iolani School
Keala Pule, Saint Louis School
Gabrielle Smith, Punahou School

U.S. Military Academy at West Point

Canaan Cortes, Mother of Divine Grace School
Andrew Dolan-Lewis, Saint Louis School
Grant Garcia, Leilehua High School
Brennan Lee, Home School
Colby Macapagal, Waipahu High School
Daniel Matsunaka, Iolani School
Eryuki Paul, Roosevelt High School
Olivia Reed, St. Andrew's Schools
Cecilia Rodriguez, Keaau High School
Jethro Thomas, Hawaii Baptist Academy

U.S. Naval Academy

Aiden Alexander, Campbell High School
Connor Apo, Saint Louis School
Caden Coffelt, Punahou School
Chay Cunningham, Maryknoll School
Joshua Dutton, Punahou School
Joshua Gleason, Pearl City High School
Franz Hafner, Waianae High School
Ethan Heidt, Kalaheo High School
Anabelle Hong, Iolani School
Michael Jagdon, Punahou School
Jason Kwak, Punahou School
Imiloa Lesher, Kamehameha Schools
Julia Mamiya, Punahou School
Jaden Pladera, Baldwin High School
Izaak Polecheck, Active Duty Navy
Evan Rau, Kamehameha Schools
Olivia Reed, St. Andrew's Schools
Paris Stevenson, Kamehameha Schools
Thomas Tereschuk, Radford High School
Noah Zits, Kamehameha Schools

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

Grace Glenn, Hawaii Baptist Academy
Grant Juan, McKinley High School

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