Congresswoman McCollum Commends Nine Students from Minnesota’s Fourth Congressional District Who Were Selected for U.S. Military Academies
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) congratulated nine students from Minnesota's Fourth Congressional District on their acceptance to four U.S. military academies. These military institutions require a nomination from a Member of Congress for admission.
"These nine students represent some of our state's most talented and brightest individuals. By taking this next step, they are preparing themselves to face tomorrow's challenges as leaders of our nation's armed services," said Congresswoman McCollum. "Each of them has earned this privilege, and now they have the challenge and the responsibility that comes with this privilege. I congratulate all of these outstanding individuals."
The nine students from Minnesota's Fourth Congressional District are:
Ryan Bruns, U.S. Air Force Academy – A resident of Maplewood, Ryan is a graduate of Tartan High School. Now a freshman at the University of St. Thomas, Ryan is a select member of the Aquinas Scholars Honors Program and a member of the Air Force ROTC.
Taylor Curtiss, U.S. Air Force Academy – From Roseville, Taylor is a member of the National Honor Society at Benilde-St. Margaret's School. She competed in both varsity tennis and hockey for four years, and she was chosen captain of the tennis team this year.
James Dimmick, U.S. Air Force Academy – James is a student at Cretin-Derham Hall, where he has been a teacher's assistant for three years as well as a top cadet in his Junior ROTC class. His extra-curricular activities include the Robotics Team, the political affairs club, and Cretin-Derham's sound crew.
Nicholas Koop, U.S. Military Academy – A Roseville resident, Nicholas attends Cretin-Derham Hall. He has been a leader in Cretin-Derham's Junior ROTC program, and he is this year's co-commander of the Crack Drill Team as well as the Rifle Team. Currently, Nicholas is working to restore a veterans' memorial in Highland Park.
Michael McDonald, U.S. Air Force Academy – A graduate of Mahtomedi High School, Michael presently attends Century College. He played Junior Hockey with the Sioux City Musketeers and recently competed with the Coulee Region Chill of the North American Hockey League.
Aristotle Postiglione, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy – Originally from Mendota Heights, Ari is in his last year at Cretin-Derham Hall. For four years, he was a member of the honor roll. Aristotle was also a participant in the Junior ROTC. Since 2004, Ari has been the owner of his own lawn care and snow removal business.
Charles Steveken, U.S. Naval Academy – A student at St. Thomas Academy, Charlie lives in Mendota Heights. During high school, he served as senior class president and student council president. Charles plays varsity baseball and football, and he is also captain of the Junior Gold Hockey Team. He is the nephew of two Naval Academy graduates.
Alexandra Stych, U.S. Air Force Academy – Alexandra lives in North Oaks, and she attends Mounds View High School. A member of the National Honor Society and captain of the track team, she was a Level 10 Junior Olympic National Qualifier in gymnastics in 2010. Alexandra comes from a family with a long tradition of military service, and the Air Force Academy was her top choice.
Eric Swanson, U.S. Naval Academy – Eric is a Shoreview resident who attends Mounds View High School in Arden Hills. A member of the National Honor Society, he was the captain of the swim team his senior year. Utilizing his musical talent, Eric participated in jazz and concert bands for four years. In his spare time, Eric is a mentor at Mounds View High School as well as a Sunday school teacher.
Congresswoman Betty McCollum serves on the House Appropriations and Budget Committees.
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