Murkowski announces service academy nominees

Sen. Lisa Murkowski has announced her nominations for service academy appointments. She chose 43 young Alaskans for the class of 2014.

“We received numerous applications from talented and gifted students across Alaska. It is unfortunate that there are never enough openings to accommodate all of our nominees,” Murkowski says in a press release. “These are stellar candidates who have demonstrated excellent leadership capabilities and strength of character. It is a privilege to nominate them for admission to our five service academies.”

Nominees were selected based on their academic record, extracurricular activities and potential for leadership. A congressional nomination does not guarantee admission to a service academy. Sen. Murkowski’s nominees will now compete against other nationwide candidates for a space in the entering class.

The service academies will make the final decisions.

The following is a list of nominees from the Valley:

U.S. Air Force Academy — Colorado Springs

• Rachel Kennedy, Wasilla

• Keane Lucas, Wasilla

• Monica Nuernberg, Palmer

• Dustin Pianalto, Wasilla

• Patricia Rose, Palmer (Rose was also nominated to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy)

• Chad Speer, Wasilla (Speer was also nominated to the U.S. Military Academy)

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy — Kings Point, New York

• Harold Jansen, Palmer

U.S. Military Academy — West Point, New York

• John Knowles, Wasilla

• Tiffany Marlow, Palmer

U.S. Naval Academy — Annapolis, Maryland

• Abigail Nagel, Palmer (Nagel was also nominated to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy)

• Bradley Truax II, Palmer