EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — U.S. Representative Veronica Escobar from Texas’ 16th Congressional District in El Paso announced the El Pasoans nominated to serve in four of the U.S. service academies.

On Saturday, Escobar held a ceremony to announce her nominees to serve in the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point.

“El Paso is home to some of the most talented and service-driven young leaders in the country, and I am incredibly proud to nominate this outstanding group of El Pasoans to our nation’s service academies,” Escobar said. “These students have demonstrated exceptional dedication to their communities, their studies, and their country. I know they will carry with them the spirit of El Paso as they pursue this extraordinary opportunity to serve our nation.”

According to Escobar, the nominees were chosen based on their academic record, test scores, leadership ability, extracurricular activities, and desire to serve their country.

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The full list of 21 nominees is below:

United States Military Academy – West Point

Marco A. HernandezFaith E. Jeon*Aaron I. Terrazas

United States Naval Academy – Annapolis

Elijah R. AnzuresDiego I. HernandezMaximilian L. Hernandez*Jacob Z. McLure*Hudson R. Merritt*Evan MinjarezAlvaro A. Rodriguez*

United States Air Force Academy – Colorado Springs

Hazel AcostaClayton M. Barde*Jonah J. GarciaMia K. JamesIsabelle V. LeonJessica A. Melendez*Jonathan M. MorenoMelinda NunezJesus Solis

United States Merchant Marine Academy – Kings Point

Lucas G. BrandonSavannah M. Smith*

*Nominated to multiple service academies

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To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, applicants must be nominated by an authorized nominating source, such as a Member of Congress; however, admission to the United States Coast Guard Academy, also a federal service academy, does not require a congressional nomination.

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