McMorris Rodgers Announces Military Service Academy Candidates for 2017

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 9, 2017) – Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) today announced fourteen Eastern Washington students who have received and accepted appointments to U.S. military academies.

All fourteen of these nominees went through a rigorous application and assessment process, including interviews with an academy nomination board of current and retired military officers and community leaders to receive nominations from the Congresswoman’s office. Throughout the process, each nominee displayed physical strength, mental aptitude, and impressive leadership qualities. Additionally, this is the largest class of students who will be representing the Fifth District at Military Service Academies since the Congresswoman took office.

“One of my top priorities is ensuring our national security, and that starts by making sure we have the best and brightest serving in our country’s military,” said McMorris Rodgers. “These nominees are the future leaders of our Armed Forces and will be strong representatives of Eastern Washington. Congratulations to these young men and women for their achievement, and thank you for your selfless decision to serve our great nation.”

UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY

KYLE KOVAC

High School: Lakeside High School

GPA: 3.883

Kyle Kovac received an offer of appointment to attend the United States Military Academy. Unfortunately, he will not report this year due to an injury. Kyle has maintained a rigorous course load at Lakeside High School while being involved in football, drama clubs, and track. Kyle also has volunteered with the VA’s annual Native American Veterans Memorial and Inland NW Honor Flight. Kyle has been recognized for being a man of his word and inspiring those he is around.

COLLIN GROSSE

High School: Mead High School

GPA: 3.947

Collin will be reporting to the United States Military Academy. He is a student at Mead High School and has earned varsity letters in football, wrestling and track. He is an active member of his school’s robotics team and National Honors Society, while also earning his Eagle Scout rank as a Boy Scout. Collin has volunteered with 2nd Harvest Food Bank, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and through various scout projects. A teacher at Mead HS noted that Collin is a true servant leader.

MIA PADON

High School: Gonzaga Preparatory School

GPA: 4.0

Mia will be attending the United States Military Academy. Mia attends Gonzaga Preparatory school and has been recognized as a leader both on and off the field. Her extracurricular activities involve varsity and premier club soccer, track, ASB, the NW Harvest Food Bank Teen Board, being a YoungLife Jr. Leader and the Women’s service group, Ancilla. Others note that Mia possesses a genuine, compassionate heart for others.

UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY

BRIDGET CALVERT

High School: Cheney High School

GPA: 3.950

Bridget will be reporting to the United States Air Force Academy. She is a student at Cheney High School and has been involved in ASB, leadership club, Varsity Tennis, and Key Club. While managing a diverse course load, Bridget volunteers at Vanessa Behan’s Crisis Nursery, is a student advisor on Cheney School District’s school board and is a member of Youth Leadership Spokane. In a letter of recommendation, Bridget is said to be a leader who takes risks, explores every opportunity and is confident.

WON JUN KIM

High School: Pullman High School

GPA: 4.0

Won Jun is a Pullman High School student who will report to the United States Air Force Academy. He has been recognized as being dedicated, focused, and responsible. Won Jun has participated in national speech and debate association competitions and various mock trial events. While earning a 4.0 GPA and playing soccer, he has volunteered for a local pharmacy, beach clean up, raised funds for the Red Cross and, after a major nationally recognized disaster spent time assisting village rebuilding programs.

MARY MAYSTROVICH

High School: Northwest Christian High School

GPA: 4.0

Mary will be reporting to the United States Air Force Academy. She is a student at Northwest Christian High School and has earned a 4.0 GPA. Mary participates in competitive precision shooting and travels to local and national competitions. She has been a ballet student her entire life and recently became active in the Future Business Leaders of America. A teacher at Mary’s HS noted that she studies hard, works hard and focuses her energy into achieving the high standards she has set for herself.

JOSHUA SCHOOLCRAFT

High School: Ferris High School

GPA: 3.74

Joshua will be attending the United States Air Force Academy. Joshua attends Ferris High School and has been recognized for his leadership in and out of school. His extracurricular activities include Air Force Junior ROTC, Youth Leadership Spokane and community service activities. He has volunteered at a retirement home, a local church, and Bloomsday annually. Joshua’s principal noted that Joshua expects and models excellence and has the unique ability to naturally lead others.

MATTHEW MICKEY

High School: North Central High School

GPA: 4.0

Matthew will be reporting to the United States Air Force Academy. He is a student at North Central High School and has been involved in ASB, and is a part of the Genomic Research class through NC’s Institute of Science and Technology. While managing a diverse course load, Matthew is a member the Cornerstone Community Church Youth Group and a volunteer for Christian Youth Theater Spokane. In a letter of recommendation, Matthew is said to carry with him the characteristics of service, grace and humility.

JAMES JOHN PING DUFFY

Currently Attending: US Air Force Academy Preparatory School

James will be reporting to the United States Air Force Academy. He is a cadet at the US Air Force Academy Preparatory School and has most recently served as an enlisted airman at Fairchild Air Force Base. In his time as an enlisted Airman and at the prep school, James has mentored and led his peers in various ways. In a letter of recommendation, James is said to have the rare ability to stay positive and upbeat coupled with the passion for service and leadership.

UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY

MICHAEL KRON

High School: North Central High School

GPA: 3.932

Michael will be reporting to the United States Naval Academy. He is a student at North Central High School and has participated in in cross country, golfing and Taekwondo.  He recently served as Class President and volunteered to run the North Central Food Drive. A teacher at North Central HS noted that Michael is not afraid of challenges, but rather lives for them and revel in them.

SYDNEY BRIEHER

High School: Mead High School

GPA: 3.978

Sydney will be reporting to the United States Naval Academy. She is a student at Mead High School. Sydney participates in cross country as her team’s captain, inspiring her teammates to one of the top teams in the state. She maintains a full academic schedule while giving back to her school and community. A teacher and coach at Sydney’s High School noted that she has the ability to be a leader who works very hard while having a servant’s heart.

JEREMIAH COONEY

High School: Gonzaga Preparatory School

GPA: 3.616

Jeremiah will be reporting to the United States Naval Academy. He is a student at Gonzaga Preparatory School and has been involved in Link Crew, track and field, cross country and football. While managing a diverse and rigorous academic load, Jeremiah volunteers annually at Bloomsday, Kira’s Kloset and the Spokane Marathon. In a letter of recommendation, Jeremiah is said to be an accomplished young man with sharp focus on his goals, character, talent and his will.

TJ BAUN

High School: Colville High School

GPA: 3.5

TJ will be reporting to the United States Naval Academy. He is a student at Colville High School and has been involved in 4-H, FFA, and National Honor Society. While managing a diverse course load, Matthew is athletically gifted, participating in varsity wrestling and cross-country. In a letter of recommendation, TJ is said to be a motivated self-starter and is self-disciplined with an intrinsic driven desire to learn and excel.

DANIEL ENGER

High School: Walla Walla High School

GPA: 3.74

Daniel will be attending the United States Naval Academy. Daniel attends Walla Walla High School and has been recognized for his leadership in his community. For four years, he has participated in his school’s Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program. He has also been a member of a national competitive rifle marksmanship team and currently serves as team captain. Daniel’s teacher noted that his peers display an honest belief in Daniel, making him an integral part of their school’s community.

 

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