Congressman Patrick McHenry hosted a reception in his Hickory district office last Friday to honor 11 local students who were recently appointed to service academies.

“I was proud to nominate all of them to service academies earlier this year; they’re very deserving and talented young people,” said Congressman McHenry. “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.”

Friday’s reception honored the following appointees:

Avery County

· Zachary Hodgin, Avery County High School, son of Gaila and Bob Hodgin, admitted to the United States Naval Academy

Burke County

· Patrick Northam, Freedom High School, son of Linda and George Northam, admitted to the United States Military Academy at West Point

Catawba County

· Brandon Beckler, Fred T. Foard High School, son of Sandra and Erick Beckler, admitted to the United States Naval Academy

· Bethany Derby *, Naval Academy Prep, daughter of Beverly M. Derby, admitted to the United States Naval Academy.

· Benjamin Gibbs, Hickory High School, son of Lee and Benjamin Gibbs, admitted to the United States Military Academy at West Point

· Tripp Johnson (J. Eulan III), Hickory High School, son of Nancy and Eulan Johnson, admitted to the United States Military Academy at West Point

· Steven Klecha, Saint Stephens High School, son of Patricia and Thomas Klecha, admitted to the United States Military Academy at West Point

· Micah Penley, Fred T. Foard High School, son of Kim and Richard Penley, admitted to the United States Naval Academy

· Tristan Setzer *, Naval Academy Prep., son of Victoria and Ryan Setzer, admitted to the United States Naval Academy

Caldwell County

· Kenneth Evans*, Naval Academy Prep, son of Elizabeth and Nelson Evans, admitted to the United States Naval Academy

Iredell County

· Andrew Schweickert, Lake Norman High School, son of Laura and Vincent Schweickert, admitted to United States Air Force Academy

These 10th District students received service academy nominations from the Congressman and 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 such as: 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 10 local veterans to serve on his Military Advisory Committee, the group that joined the Congressman in interviewing the local applicants and determining the 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.

*Granted a nomination in the 2006 cycle. Currently attending Naval Academy Prep School. Nomination carried automatically into 2007 cycle.