West Florida News

SARASOTA — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today congratulated thirteen students from Florida’s 17th Congressional District who received appointments to U.S. Service Academies. Rep. Steube nominated 21 individuals in December.

“I am thrilled to announce the appointment of 13 talented students to our nation’s prestigious military academies,” said Rep. Steube. “While there are many exciting post-graduate paths, I am honored that 13 students from FL-17 chose to put our country first. I thank them for their willingness to serve and wish the appointees the best as they embark on their journey of service.”

Rep. Steube joined several of the appointees and their parents at a congratulatory luncheon hosted by his office on Wednesday. The FL-17 students appointed by Rep. Steube and accepted to attend one of our nation’s U.S. Service Academies are as follows:

Reiley Lester of American Overseas School of Rome has been appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Lester was the Student Body President and three-year Presidential Award recipient for academic achievement. Lester was a varsity athlete and participated in the National and Italian Honors Society, respectively.

Alexandra Witherspoon of Riverview High School has been appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Witherspoon was an AP Scholar and President of the Eastern Awareness Club, participating in the Science, Math, and History National Honor Societies, respectively. Witherspoon received the Woman of Distinction Summit Award.

Noah Gregory of Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School has been appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Gregory was an AP Scholar with Distinction, Treasurer of the Paleontology Club, varsity athlete, and participated in several clubs like Against Leukemia, and the Humane Society. Gregory most recently graduated from the 10-month USAFA Preparatory School at Randolph-Macon Academy on a Falcon Foundation Scholarship.

Madison Witherspoon of Riverview High School has been appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy. Witherspoon received the Magna Cum Laude GPA Award twice and her first-degree black belt in martial arts while participating in Girl Scouts where she received the Gold Award Girl Scout among other civic awards for her character.

Casey Aten of Pine View School has been appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy. Aten was a three-time FHSAA State Team Champion and two-time USA Swimming Futures Champion who also proved competency in agriculture certified by a Florida Farm Bureau subsidiary (AEST).

Christian Delarge of Sarasota Military Academy has been appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy where he was a JROTC platoon leader, co-captain of the soccer team, veteran services volunteer for Easter Seals who most recently graduated from Naval Academy Preparatory School.

Micah Thomson of Venice High School has been appointed to West Point (U.S Military Academy). Thomson received both Venice High's Golden Eagle Award (2022) & Yale Book Award (2023). He also engaged in varsity sports alongside volunteering efforts including hurricane cleanups & home renovations.

Karina Lawrence also from Venice High will be joining Micah at West Point after receiving American Legion Bronze Medal Scholastic Excellence recognition along with community service hours spent on roadside cleanups & food kitchens among others while being proficient in German language skills too!

Wilhelm Hamburger outta Riverview HS got himself into West Point via IB Diploma Program plus Mock Trial Team presidency role whilst vice-presidency held within Riverview Fights Cancer Club added more weight behind this multi-talented individual who's equally good at sports being football quarterback besides javelin thrower interned under Congressman Greg Steube's Sarasota office earlier too!

Ethan Wang hailing from Pine View shall soon call USMA his alma mater having earned National Merit Semifinalist tag alongwith Principal Council Representative role besides captaining swim team building strong profile engaging UNICEF Build On Spanish Club etc

Benjamin Aguilar yet another bright spark headed towards USMA comes courtesy Cambridge AICE AP Scholar accolades combined gymnastic prowess earning All-American Recognition coaching youth EVO Athletic Foundation Inc adding extra dimension this all-rounder student

Conor Heary again Sarasota HS makes list courtesy Cambridge AICE program AP Scholar state/national gymnastics champion Academic All-American co-founded online stock investment group proving not just brains but brawn alike Jackson Ruthven representing SMA heads towards USMMA where he's excelled academically within NHS alongside leading roles held JROTC Cadet Major Regimental S-2 Varsity Men Rowing Crew

The appointees will attend various academies including:

- U.S Military Academy (West Point NY)

- U.S Naval Academy (Annapolis MD)

- U.S Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs CO)

- U.S Merchant Marine Academy(Kings Point NY)

The fifth academy i.e., USCGA New London CT doesn’t require congressional nomination details about nomination process available here.