Rep. Blunt Rochester nominates students for service academies

Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester announced that she has nominated 21 Delaware students for admission to United States service academies for the Class of 2026. Each year, members of the U.S. Congress are charged with nominating top candidates for attendance at four service academies: the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y.; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y. Nominees must then be accepted by the academies to gain admittance.

“Attending one of our nation’s service academies is a distinct privilege available to young people in Delaware and across the country interested in serving in our nation’s military,” said Blunt Rochester. “This year’s applicant pull consisted of many outstanding students, and I’m confident that all of this year’s applicants have bright futures ahead. Serving our country in the armed forces requires courage and a commitment to a higher purpose, which is why I am honored to nominate these deserving students to our prestigious service academies. I wish them the best as they move forward in their journeys to serve our state and nation.”

Blunt Rochester selected the 21 students for 40 nominations through the counsel of a selection panel that comprised several community members, including active-duty and retired service members. Blunt Rochester’s local nominations to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point are Madelyn Breitenbach of Seaford, Seaford Senior High School; and Rocco Alessandro of Hartley, Caesar Rodney High School.

Her local nominations to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis are Madelyn Breitenbach of Seaford, Seaford Senior High School; and Joseph Klosiewicz of Georgetown, Sussex Technical High School.

Her local nomination to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, is Rocco Alessandro of Hartley, Caesar Rodney High School.