Press Releases

WASHINGTON—Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) has nominated 13 students for U.S. Service Academies following an application and interview process that took place Nov. 10, 2017.

“The caliber of these students is impressive and each applicant displayed a commitment to serve this country with passion,” said Rep. Estes. “The future of our Republic is bright knowing these talented individuals are taking the next step in their educational journey.”

Students from the 4th District applied and were interviewed by a panel of local community leaders at the Wichita District Office. Their interview was followed by a one-on-one meeting with Rep. Estes. Each Member of Congress may nominate up to ten individuals for each vacant academy slot allotted to his or her district. Academies make the final selection for appointments based on additional evaluations.

Applicants interested in applying for 2019 should visit estes.house.gov/forms/serviceacademynomination.

Academy nominees (listed in alphabetical order by academy)

United States Air Force Academy – Colorado Springs, Colorado

Kendall Davis, Northeast Magnet, son of Kenny and Chrissy Davis

David McCune, Valley Center High School, son of David and Carolyn McCune

Matthew Melchor, Maize High School, son of Robert and Barbara Melchor

United States Naval Academy – Annapolis, Maryland

Katherine Baldessari, Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School, daughter of John and Donna Baldessari

Cameron Clark, Berean Academy, son of Robert and Jolene Clark

Kendall Davis, Northeast Magnet, son of Kenny and Chrissy Davis

Jacob Ruder, Maize High School, son of Romney and Amy Ruder

Jack Steiner, Andover Central High School, son of Scott and Lori Steiner

Thomas Wrinn, Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School, son of Jon and Nancy Wrinn

United States Military Academy at West Point – West Point, New York

Katherine Baldessari, Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School, daughter of John and Donna Baldessari

Carter Black, Wichita East High School, son of Jeff and Pam Black

Lillian Brown, Trinity Academy, daughter of Bill and Karlyn Brown

Joseph Jurkovich, Ark City Christian Academy, son of Dan and Suzy Jurkovich

Matthew Melchor, Maize High School, son of Robert and Barbara Melchor

Adrianna Ramos, Northeast Magnet, daughter of Israel Ramos and Veronica Vu

Luke Windish, Andover High School, son of Tom and Kristi Windish

Ron Estes is a 5th generation Kansan and represents Kansas’ 4th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, and the House Committee on Homeland Security.