Congressman Patrick McHenry (R-NC) will host a reception on Tuesday, May 30 at 4 p.m. in the Congressman’s Hickory district office (87 Fourth Street, NW, Hickory, NC 28603) to honor seven local students who were recently appointed to service academies. Tuesday’s reception will honor:

• Jenna Bordash, St. Stephens High School, daughter of Vincent and Anna Bordash, admitted to the United States Naval Academy

• Julian Bowling, McCallie School (Chattanooga, TN), son of Richard and Susan Bowling of Shelby, admitted to the United States Naval Academy

• Elijah Lackey, Hickory Christian Academy, son of Donald and Beth Lackey of Hickory, admitted to the United States Military Academy at West Point

• James Madison, Avery High School, son of James Madison and Belinda Bippus of Newland, admitted to the United States Naval Academy

• Tyler Magerkurth, Hickory High School, son of Brian and Valerie Magerkurth of Hickory, admitted to United States Military Academy at West Point

• Kerry Michaud, Newton-Conover High School, son of Paul and Kathie Michaud, admitted to the United States Naval Academy

• Derek Potter, South Caldwell High School, son of Terry and Terri Porter of Granite Falls, admitted to the United States Air Force Academy

“I was proud to nominate all of them to service academies earlier this year; they’re very deserving and talented young people,” Congressman McHenry said. “I am confident their admission is but the first step in a long line of success, marked by their brave and dutiful service to our nation.”

Seven of the 16 students from the 10th District that received service academy nominations from the Congressman were admitted into three service academies, including the United States Military Academy at West Point, the United States Air Force Academy and the United States Naval Academy.

To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, an applicant must meet the eligibility requirements established by law and be nominated from an authorized person including a Member of the United States Senate or the House of Representatives.

Nominations centered on several criteria including: consistently strong academic performance, physical fitness, participation in leadership positions within his or her school as well as community and a strong commitment to pursuing a career in the Armed Forces.

Congressman McHenry tapped 11 local veterans to serve on his Military Advisory Committee, the group that joined the Congressman in interviewing the 19 local applicants and determining the 16 nominations. Committee members were chosen based on several conditions including past military service, recommendations from local citizens and elected officials and/or graduation from a service academy.