Mat-Su Career Tech senior among Valley students to receive nominations to attend military service academies

Several students from across the Valley received nominations from Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan to attend the military service academies for the Class of 2029. Those academies include the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. These four academies require a Congressional nomination before a student can apply to attend.

Applicants provide a list of qualifications to be considered for nomination, including official transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, letters of recommendation from teachers and coaches and a written essay. Applicants were also interviewed in front of an Academy Selection Board before receiving a final decision from each senator.

Grayson McDowell of Wasilla received a nomination from Senator Dan Sullivan to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and the U.S. Military Academy. McDowell also received a nomination from Senator Lisa Murkowski to attend the U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Being the child of a retired military official, McDowell qualified for and received a nomination from the U.S. President to attend the U.S. Naval Academy.

“It was a really big privilege to get those nominations,” McDowell said. “And it’s a really big honor to represent my state at the academies.”

McDowell is a senior at Mat-Su Career and Tech. His father is a retired Navy officer, and McDowell recalled how his family moved around the country before arriving in Alaska. He said he always thought of Alaska as his home.

Attending the service academies wasn’t always his goal. Working hard to succeed in school, McDowell participated in athletics and was an active member of his community. His hard work and determination stemmed from his desire to hold himself to the highest standard possible.

“I grew up around military officers so I’d always known about the academies, and I knew of the high standards they held,” McDowell said. “So I put myself to those standards at a young age.”

As he got older, McDowell began putting more serious thought into attending one of the academies. He began researching more and strived to meet their application requirements.

As of now, McDowell is leaning towards the U.S. Naval Academy, although he has not 100% committed yet. He explained that he spent time in Annapolis, Maryland, where the academy is located, and is familiar with the area. He recalls attending academy football games as a child.

“I think it’s the best fit for me,” McDowell said.

McDowell said that his family is his backbone and his main support. He also thanks his counselor, Dannielle Chyko, for assisting him with the academy application process, and his teacher Ansel Bird for being an influence to become a military officer.

“There’s a lot of role models in my life,” McDowell said. “A lot of people put a lot of work into making me the best that I can be and I just want to thank them for that. It means a lot to me.”

McDowell also attributes his personal growth and character development to his football coach, Matt Jaronik. Jaronik is the head coach at Wasilla High School, where McDowell played for four years. McDowell said Jaronik played a huge role in his life.

“Football has been a big part of my life in high school,” McDowell said. “People relate the service academies to a sports team. If you want to go to service academies, you have to be able to work in a team, work well under pressure. I can attribute a lot of my ability to do that to him coaching it through me.”

These nominations create new opportunities for McDowell, ones that he hopes he can capitalize on to better himself and serve his country.

“It really means all the dedication and hard work that I’ve put in to bettering myself everyday is starting to pay off in the form of opportunities to improve myself even more,” McDowell said.

Attached is a list of other Valley youth that have been nominated to the service academies this year. McDowell and the other nominees will have until May to make a final decision on which academies they will apply for.

Senator Lisa Murkowski Class of 2029 Service Academy Nominations for Valley Youth:

U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD: Grayson McDowell – Wasilla; Christian Mills-Price – Wasilla

U.S. Military Academy, West Point, NY: Nina Adams - Wasilla; Christian Mills-Price - Wasilla; Colton Savala - Wasilla

U. S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY: Grayson McDowell - Wasilla

Senator Dan Sullivan Class of 2029 Service Academy Nominations for Valley Youth:

U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO: Grayson McDowell - Wasilla; Christian Mills-Price - Wasilla

U. S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY: Grayson McDowell - Wasilla

U.S. Military Academy, West Point, NY: Grayson McDowell - Wasilla' Colton “Oscar” Savala - Wasilla

U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD: Christian Mills-Price - Wasilla