Congressional Delegation announces Service Academy appointments

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Service academy nominations are an annual congressional tradition and an important step in gaining acceptance to one of our nations most prestigious service academy’s. Today, we highlight the students who were accepted to their respective choice of institutions.  

According to the Congressional Research Service report, “Although it is an essential component of the appointment process, a congressional nomination does not guarantee an individual’s admission or appointment to a service academy. 

In addition to securing a nomination, a candidate must also submit an application packet and fulfill other service academy requirements, some of which are described in the “Applicant Qualifications” section of this report.  Even when a candidate meets all these requirements and is deemed to be qualified for admission, he or she may not receive an official appointment, due to the limited number of spaces available at each service academy.”  The process to receive a nomination is a little different for each office but those selected have been determined to be exceptional young men and women. Below are the statements from Alabama’s congressional delegation on their picks as well as a list of their 2019 appointees. We have provided the names and additional information as it was provided from each office which is why some include more personal details than others. 

AL-02 Congresswoman Martha Roby: Service academy nominations page

“It is a tremendous honor each year to nominate distinguished young men and women from Alabama’s Second District for appointment to our nation’s service academies,” Representative Roby said. “These students are to be commended for their eagerness to serve our great country, their academic excellence, and their outstanding leadership abilities. I am proud to join their families, friends, teachers, and communities in congratulating these remarkable students.”

The following students were nominated by Representative Roby and received official appointments to the United States service academies:

  • Daniel Brayden Banner is the son of Dan and Amanda Banner. He is a graduate of Providence Christian School in Dothan, and he received an offer of appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point.
  • Theodore Maxwell Dowd is the son of John and Donna Dowd. He is a graduate of Northview High School in Dothan, and he received an offer of appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point.
  • Amore Jacarra Hardy is the daughter of Regina Hardy. She is a graduate of Booker T. Washington Magnet High School in Montgomery, and she received an offer of appointment to the United States Air Force Academy.
  • Timothy Jurard McClendon is the son of Emma Lee McClendon. He is a graduate of Carroll High School in Ozark, and he received an offer of appointment to the United States Air Force Academy.
  • Johnny M. Montgomery, III, is the son of Johnny Montgomery. He is a graduate of Stanhope Elmore High School in Millbrook, and he received an offer of appointment to the United States Air Force Academy.
  • Jackson Scott Parker is the son of Scott and Hannah Parker. He is a graduate of Abbeville High School, and he received an offer of appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point.
  • Isaac Taylor Sherman is the son of Jeremy and Morgan Sherman. He is a graduate of Prattville High School, and he received an offer of appointment to the United States Air Force Academy.
  • Seth Cameron White is the son of Steve and Terri White. He is a graduate of Wicksburg High School, and he received an offer of appointment to the United States Naval Academy.

AL-5 Congressman Mo Brooks: Service academy nominations page.

“Alabama’s 5th Congressional District is fortunate to claim thirteen outstanding students who have received appointments to the Air Force Academy, the Naval Academy, the Coast Guard Academy, West Point, and Marion Military Institute. Congratulations to these exceptional scholars, athletes, and leaders who have chosen to serve our country. I’m immensely proud of this high-achieving group of students and wish them well as they embark on this next phase of life.”

U.S. Air Force Academy Appointees:

  • Avery Dollarhide, Sparkman H.S. (Currently on active duty in South Korea—Air Force)
  • Joshua Fields, Florence H.S.

U.S. Naval Academy Appointee:

  • Riley Cushing, Alabama School for Math & Science

U.S. Military Academy (West Point) Appointees:

  • Mitchell Bedard, Bob Jones H.S.
  • Dianna Boyer, St. John Paul II Catholic H.S.
  • Jonathan Gubert, Sparkman H.S.
  • Elijah Madkins, Bob Jones H.S.
  • Gerald Moore, II, St. John Paul II Catholic H.S.
  • Gerard McCarron, St. John Paul II Catholic H.S.
  • Thomas Blake Mitchell, Randolph School

U.S. Coast Guard Academy Appointee:

  • Andrew Schad, Madison Academy

Received U.S. Naval Academy Foundation Scholarship to attend Marion Military Institute:

  • Brock McNutt, James Clemens H.S.

Received U.S. Air Force Academy Falcon Scholarship to attend Marion Military Institute:

  • Christopher Stokes, St. John Paul II Catholic H.S.

AL-06 Congressman Gary Palmer: Service academy nominations page.

“Nominating outstanding students to the U.S. Service Academies is one of the most serious responsibilities and highest honors of my job,” Palmer said. “These young people are our future leaders, so I want to do my part to send the best from Alabama’s Sixth District. Receiving an appointment is a competitive process and a huge accomplishment. I’m proud of these 12 incredible students and look forward to what the future holds for them. I’m confident they will excel in their endeavors and serve America honorably.”

The appointed students are as follows:

  • Meron Acker, of USAFA Prep, will attend the U.S. Air Force Academy
  • Jaden Alexander, of Homewood High School, will attend the U.S. Naval Academy
  • Baynes Autrey, of Mountain Brook High School, will attend the U.S. Naval Academy
  • Jackson Bryant, of Vestavia Hills High School, will attend the U.S. Naval Academy
  • Phoebe Cooper, of Oak Mountain High School, will attend the U.S. Naval Academy
  • Kyle Curtis, of Oak Mountain High School, will attend the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
  • Skylar Johnston, of Oak Mountain High School, will attend the U.S. Naval Academy
  • Rachel Price, of Westminster School at Oak Mountain, will attend the U.S. Air Force Academy
  • Sarathi Shah, of Marion Military Institute, will attend the U.S. Naval Academy
  • Natalie Thorn, of Hoover High School, will attend the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
  • Jude Watkins, of Evangel Christian School, will attend the U.S. Military Academy
  • Meredith Watson, of Gardendale High School, will attend the U.S. Military Academy

AL-07 Congressman Terri Sewell: Service academy nominations page.

“I am truly honored to be able to support our young leaders of tomorrow in their aspirations toward higher service,” said Rep. Sewell. “There is no path more admirable than that of protecting our country. I am thrilled to assist these remarkable young people in their journey toward greatness, and I cannot wait to see all that they accomplish.”

The students who were nominated by Rep. Sewell are

  • James Outland of Birmingham, AL (accepted to the U.S. Military Academy, West Point)
  • Matthew Newton of Butler, AL (accepted to the U.S. Naval Academy)
  • Erskine Simmons of Tuscaloosa, AL (also accepted to the U.S. Naval Academy)

We are still awaiting the appointments for the following offices. To find out more about their process you can visit their websites here: 

  • AL-01 Congressman Bradley Byrne: Service academy nominations page
  • AL-03 Congressman Mike Rogers: Service academy nominations page
  • AL-04 Congressman Robert Aderholt: Service academy nominations page.

Information on each of the academy’s can be found here: