January 7, 2026
“Choosing to serve your nation in the Armed Forces is among the highest callings. I’m proud of these students for their commitment to academics, athletics and service to their community.”
Husted calls his 2025 service academy nominee recipients.
WASHINGTON – Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) today announced his first nominations to the United States Service Academies for the academic year beginning in summer 2026.
“The nominees I presented to the academies today represent the best of America and carry the strong Ohio values of hard work, discipline, resilience and integrity. They are the exact people we need to be leaders in our Armed Forces and I’m confident their fellow Ohioans will be proud as they carry their passion for service throughout their lives and careers,” said Husted.
“Choosing to serve your nation in the Armed Forces is among the highest callings. I’m proud of these students for their commitment to academics, athletics and service to their community, and I’m honored to nominate them for admission to our service academies,” Husted concluded.
The United States maintains five military service academies, including the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and the U.S. Naval Academy. To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, applicants must be nominated by an authorized nominating source, which includes Members of Congress. After evaluating the applicants’ academics, athletics, extra-curricular activities and community service experience, Husted’s office conducted in-person interviews with applicants qualified for academy admission.
Members of Congress can nominate a maximum of 55 students annually, including up to 15 applicants to each of the Air Force, Military and Naval academies, and up to 10 to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. A Congressional Nomination is not necessary for admission to the United States Coast Guard Academy.
The following students from Ohio have received a nomination from Husted as candidates to the service academies:
United States Military Academy
West Point, New York
Jacob Bednar Columbus, OH
Tejomaya Bheshaj Fairlawn, OH
Shea Broski Hudson, OH
Haidyn Bunker West Farmington, OH
Maegan Chrysler New Albany, OH
Ellen Erwin Centerville, OH
Evan Frissora Dublin, OH
Morgan Hamilton Columbus, OH
Tiernan Hunter Columbus, OH
Akash Joshi Holland, OH
Sophie Lang Pepper Pike, OH
Daniel McMillan Gambier, OH
Anica Rane Cincinnati, OH
Jacob Schleiff Cincinnati, OH
Kiera Spinelli Batavia, OH
United States Naval Academy
Annapolis, Maryland
Mason Altman Cincinnati, OH
Kylie Bradshaw Galena, OH
Raine DeAngelis Westlake, OH
Milli DeVenne Galena, OH
Connor Durant Hilliard, OH
Gianni Faiello Louisville, OH
Derek Fan Beachwood, OH
Josiah Haskins Canal Winchester, OH
Broderick Hicks Perry, OH
Grayson Houk Crooksville, OH
Hannah Hunt Upper Arlington, OH
Dylan Hunter Westlake, OH
Everett Lynch Columbus, OH
Connor Schaaf Cincinnati, OH
Sarah Van Dress Berea, OH
United States Air Force Academy
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Grant Bauer Sandusky, OH
Karis Beineke Marion, OH
Laney Bottemiller Bellbrook, OH
Colin Broxterman Cincinnati, OH
Parker Bush Salem, OH
Phoebe Hamant Centerville, OH
Halder Hernandez Springboro, OH
Grady Kinsey New Philadelphia, OH
Mia Lauvray Coshocton, OH
Milan Lillis Upper Arlington, OH
Brady Lynch Columbus, OH
Coby Miladinovic Medina, OH
Anderson Rowe Elyria, OH
Owen Swonger Perrysburg, OH
Keanu Valdez Pickerington, OH
United States Merchant Marine Academy
Kings Point, New York
Jack Buell Pandora, OH
Margaret Bush Beavercreek, OH
Amira Bzdafka Pickerington, OH
Kayla Duffee Bexley, OH
Paul Madden Mount Sterling, OH
Gavin Minich Bloomdale, OH
Lillian Schulteis Columbus, OH
James Swiger Chesterland, OH
Students who receive a Congressional Nomination to one of the Military Service Academies must still earn admission to their nominated academy and continue to maintain eligibility for that admission until their arrival on campus, including maintaining their excellent records in academics, integrity and physical fitness. They must also successfully complete the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB) assessment, among other rigorous requirements.