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Class of 2028 Military Service Academy Nominees Announced by Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz

WASHINGTON, January 11, 2024 | Ryan Saylor (771-200-0819)

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) announced Thursday, Jan. 11th, the nomination of students from across Texas’ 15th Congressional District for military service academies across America.

“I am proud to announce nominees to our nation’s military service academies,” De La Cruz said. “In an all-volunteer military, it takes bravery, determination, and a true love of country to sign up for service. The young men and women nominated in TX-15 have what it takes to succeed both academically and in uniform. I am proud to call them constituents and look forward to their service and success in the academies and beyond.”

The following students were nominated by De La Cruz to the listed military service academies based on the recommendation of an independent academy advisory committee:

U.S. Military Service Academy (West Point, NY):

  • James Sin; South Texas ISD World Scholars; Edinburg, TX

  • Nathanial Walborg; Marion High School; Marion, TX

  • Aaron Arambula; Marion High School; Marion, TX

  • Giovanni Garcia; Edinburg North High School; Edinburg, TX

  • Ryan Knecht; McAllen High School; McAllen, TX

U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis, MD):

  • Javier Lopez; Sharyland Pioneer High School; McAllen TX

  • Jessica Long; Edinburg North High School; Edinburg, TX

  • Liberty Smith; Founders Classical Academy of Schertz; La Vernia, TX

  • Pedro Rios-Alvarez; IDEA Pharr College Prep; Hidalgo, TX

U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs, CO):

  • Leilani Touchstone; Floresville High School; Floresville, TX

  • Ella Rose Sandoval; Sharyland Advanced Academic Academy; Mission, TX

  • Aaron Garza; Edinburg High School; Edinburg, TX

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point, New York):

  • Fredrich Buquel; Sharyland High School; Mission, TX

Receiving a Congressional nomination is a major part of the admissions process for all military service academies, excluding the U.S. Coast Guard. The respective academy will make final selections and offer appointments prior to the start of classes in June 2024. The application, nomination, and selection process is among the most rigorous college admissions processes in America.