Mat-Su students nominated to military service academies

U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Mark Begich nominated seven Mat-Su Borough School District students to the nation's military academies as part of the graduating class of 2016.

Senators are allowed to nominate up to 10 individuals for each of the service academies, including the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point and U.S. Naval Academy. The admissions office for each academy makes the final determination based on academic and physical qualifications as well as available space.

Nominees are selected based on their academic record, extracurricular activities and potential for leadership.

Congressional nomination does not guarantee admission to a service academy.

Nominated were:

U.S. Air Force Academy,

Colorado Springs, Colo.:

• Ben Evans, Palmer

• Andrew Liebing, Palmer

U.S. Military Academy

at West Point, N.Y.:

• Derick Hanna, Wasilla

• Emily Hart, Palmer

U.S. Naval Academy

at Annapolis, Md.:

• Teresa Kennedy, Wasilla

• Ryan Tracy, Palmer

• Jessica Croom, Wasilla