Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is nominating six excellent students from American Samoa for consideration by the prestigious military service academies this year. The Congresswoman received applications from 16 students this year, some of whom applied to more than one academy.
Congressional nominations are only possible if the student’s completed application is on file at the Service Academy.
This year, the U.S. Air Force Academy has the most nominees with five applicants, the U.S. Naval Academy has two nominees, the U.S. Military Academy (Army) has one, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy has one nominee.
- Arianna Ta’atasi – American Samoa Community College – US Air Force Academy
- Alek West – Samoana High School – US Air Force Academy, US Naval Academy and US Merchant Marine Academy
- Faaeteete Molesi – Leone High School – US Air Force Academy
- Isaac Porter – ONeill High School, West Point, New York – US Military Academy
- Lisa Pedro – Pacific Horizon – US Air Force Academy
- Micah Tiamanini I’atala Gurr – Samoana High School – US Air Force Academy and US Naval Academy
The Congresswoman congratulated each of the nominees.
“Each student has reached this point with commitment throughout high school. They’ve put time and effort into their studies and achieved excellent grades. The academies will also consider their community involvement, volunteer work, activities, interests, and good reputations. It’s important to remind future applicants that a completed application on file with the academy is an absolute requirement for a nomination,” said Amata.
Nominations each year are based on the quality of the students’ combined academic records; essays; letters of recommendation from their teachers, church leaders, and local community leaders; and verification that they have already applied separately to the academy or academies of their choice.
The service academies are fully funded federal colleges whose mission is to train future officers and leaders that will serve in each respective armed service. The admissions process is extremely competitive, as the academies seek candidates with high potential to become leaders as commissioned officers in the United States Armed Forces. The outcome depends on the upcoming decisions of the academies. Any students who are offered an appointment for the class would then be able to enter that academy in the summer.
The U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a congressional nomination as part of its competitive application process, however, if known, Congresswoman Amata is always pleased to include any accepted applicants from American Samoa in announcements each year, as well as highlight any presidential academy nominees if they were to occur from American Samoa.
“It’s a thrill to announce those who are accepted into Service Academies, and all of these students have outstanding educational opportunities due to their high grades and test scores,” concluded Amata. “Thank you to the families of these students. Parents and educators are rightly proud of these students.”
