Norton to Host Service Academy College Fair and Sendoff of Seven D.C. High School Graduates to the Academies, Tonight

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) will host her annual Service Academy College Fair and Sendoff to present her 2016 nominees to the U.S. service academies and to encourage current District of Columbia high school students to attend the service academies today, Thursday, June 9, 2016, from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library (901 G St. NW). The fair is an opportunity for prospective students in grades 6-11, as well as their parents, to speak directly with service academy representatives and alumni and D.C. high school students on their way to the academies. Mikal TréVon Harrison, who just completed a year at the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School and has received an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy Class of 2021, will speak at tonight’s program.

This year’s nominees include six young men and one young woman. William Hamilton Atkins (St. Albans High School) and Philippe Tristan Sanchez (Sidwell Friends High School) received appointments to the U.S. Military Academy. Two students, Alexander Curry Edge (St. Albans School) and Mikal TréVon Harrison (Washington Latin Public Charter School), have completed their year at the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School and have received appointments to the U.S. Military Academy Class of 2021. Brian Anthony Alexander (Fishbourne Military School) will attend the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School in 2016-2017. Yamiya Althea Fowlkes (School Without Walls) will attend the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School in 2016-2017 and Alexander Joseph Mastel (St. John’s College High School) will attend the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Scholars Program. Upon the successful completion of their year of preparatory work, they will receive appointments to their respective service academy’s class of 2021.

“Each year, more and more D.C. students are applying for appointments in our nation’s academies,” Norton said. “This year’s class of District of Columbia appointees is sure to inspire students from across the city to serve their country while receiving a first-class college education. I appreciate all residents who come forward, but I note that we are having increasing success in attracting applications from public and charter schools, in addition to our independent schools. More applicants who live east of the river in Wards 7 and 8 are also applying, showing we are reaching a greater variety of candidates.”

Every year, Norton nominates D.C. high school seniors to the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and U.S. Air Force Academy. The academies select the best of her nominees for appointments. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy uses a direct appointment system.