Congressman Pete Visclosky salutes four local students, Jonathan Jackson, Jared Smoot, Scott Steggerda, and Matthew Spretnjak, who recently began their first year at their respective service academies.
Acceptance to one of the nation’s service academies is a long and intense process that requires candidates to meet a multitude of general standards of admission. This includes standards regarding character, scholarship, leadership, motivation, physical aptitude, and whole-person evaluation. Spots within the program are very limited.
“I congratulate these local students for meeting the rigorous standards for admission into our nation’s service academies,” said Congressman Visclosky. “Not only do these students each possess strength of character, strong academic records, and the necessary physical abilities, they are all dedicating these gifts to serving our country. I commend them, and wish them the very best in their future endeavors.”
Jonathan Jackson of Schererville, Indiana, was accepted to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland. Jonathan was top ten of his graduating class at Illiana Christian High School. He was a member of the National Honor Society, Drama Club, and Church Club. He also played tennis.
Jared Smoot of Crown Point, Indiana, was accepted to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland. Jared was a graduate of Crown Point High School. He was an accomplished athlete in basketball and a member of the Crown Point High School Choir.
Scott Steggerda of Valparaiso, Indiana, was accepted to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York. Scott was a graduate of Valparaiso High School. He was a member of National Honor Society, as well as participated in football and track.
Matthew Spretnjak of Highland, Indiana, was accepted to the U.S. Air Force Academy. The academy is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Matthew was top ten in his graduating class at Highland High School and is a recipient of the Air Force Academy Falcon Foundation Scholarship at Northwestern Preparatory School. He was very active in sports, playing football and baseball, and wrestling. Furthermore, he is a member of the National Honor Society and the National Japanese Honor Society.
Each year Congressman Visclosky has the privilege to recommend a select few of Northwest Indiana's best high school graduates for admission to the nation's service academies. When applying for a nomination, an applicant must apply to both the respective academy and through Congressman Visclosky’s congressional office. The deadline for filing with Congressman Visclosky’s office for admission to the academies in the 2012-2013 school year is October 28, 2011, at 5:00 P.M. EST, so it is important to fill out a Pre-Candidate Questionnaire for the respective academy as soon as possible. If you would like to learn more about these service academies, or for more information regarding the application process, please visit Congressman Visclosky’s website at http://visclosky.house.gov/services/military-academy-nominations.shtml, or call Congressman Visclosky’s office at 219-795-1844.