Congressman Darin LaHood | Congressman Darin LaHood Official Website
Congressman Darin LaHood | Congressman Darin LaHood Official Website
Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) has announced the nomination of 19 outstanding young men and women from central and northern Illinois to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Air Force Academy. These nominations mark the first step in the process for potential appointment to one of the prestigious service academies.
In a statement, Congressman LaHood expressed his congratulations to the nominees, recognizing their commitment to service and defending the freedom of the United States. He stated, "America is the greatest and safest country on Earth because of young leaders like these who are willing to put service before self." LaHood also expressed his pride in the exceptional students from Illinois who aspire to serve their country.
The nominees were selected from communities in the current 16th District of Illinois and underwent a rigorous application process, including interviews conducted by a panel of veterans and community leaders. The final admission decisions will be made by the U.S. Service Academies over the next four months.
Looking ahead, Congressman LaHood will open the application process for the 2025 Service Academy Nominations for residents of the 16th District of Illinois this Spring. Students can be nominated to multiple service academies, and the full list of 2024 nominees can be found below.
U.S. Military Academy at West Point:
- Scout Adams from Metamora, St. Johns Northwest Academies
- Michael Behm from Peoria, Richwoods High School
- Kaden Combs from Woodstock, Woodstock North High School
- William Goldammer from Princeville, Peoria Notre Dame High School
- Carter Lundeen from Minooka, Minooka Community High School
- Nathan Maestas from Bloomington, Georgia Military College
- Franchesca Rodriguez from Streator, Illinois Valley Community College
- James Schomburg from Roscoe, Hononegah Community High School
- Andrew Wahlgren from Princeton, Croatan High School
U.S. Air Force Academy:
- Kaden Combs from Woodstock, Woodstock North High School
- Jared Counterman from Morris, Coal City High School
- Isaac Rife from Elizabeth, River Ridge High School
- Franchesca Rodriguez from Streator, Illinois Valley Community College
- James Schomburg from Roscoe, Hononegah Community High School
- Jak Sheehan from Bloomington, Long Road Sixth Form College
- Andrew Wahlgren from Princeton, Croatan High School
- Kate Walghren from Princeton, Humphreys High School
- Bennet Williams from Princeton, Princeton High School
U.S. Naval Academy:
- Scout Adams from Metamora, St. Johns Northwest Academies
- Brennan Bjorling from Morton, Morton High School
- Karley Fulcher from Heyworth, Heyworth High School
- Andrew Elward from Morton, Peoria Notre Dame High School
- Isaac Rife from Elizabeth, River Ridge High School
- Franchesca Rodriguez from Streator, Illinois Valley Community College
- James Schomburg from Roscoe, Hononegah Community High School
- Andrew Stone from Metamora, Metamora Township High School
- Andrew Wahlgren from Princeton, Croatan High School
- Noah Wenzel from Dakota, Dakota Senior High School
As the nominations are announced, the central and northern regions of Illinois anticipate strong representation in the U.S. Service Academies. The dedication and commitment of these young men and women serve as a testament to their desire to serve and protect the nation.
Alerts Sign-up