U.S. Rep Peter DeFazio, D-Springfield, announced Friday that several of his nominees have been accepted to military academies.
Kellen Petersen of Sweet Home and Robert Carney of Eugene have been accepted to the Military Academy of West Point. Luke Penner of Corvallis has been accepted to the Naval Academy. His brother, Tory, is in his second year at the Academy.
“I was extremely impressed with the high caliber of applicants this year, and I’m very proud to nominate Kellen, Robert and Luke to West Point and the Naval Academy,” Rep. DeFazio said. “I congratulate these young men on their acceptance. They are all very bright and talented and will represent Oregon well.”
Petersen is involved in football, soccer, wrestling and track at Sweet Home High School. He participated in Boys’ State. he worked summers in a cannery and is a volunteer peer tutor. Despite his hectic schedule, he obtained his certificate of initial mastery and will graduate high school with honors this spring before joining his older brother, Tory, at West Point.
High school seniors interested in a nomination from Rep. DeFazio should contact his office for an application in the spring of their junior year. Completed applications are due by Nov. 1, 2005.
To be eligible, applicants must be residents of the Fourth Congressional District and unmarried U.S. citizens between the ages of 17 and 22 the year they enter the academy. Nominees are chosen based on an in-office interview, extra-curricular activities, athletics and leadership.