U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) has announced his nominations of South Dakota students for appointments to the nation’s service academies for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Rounds named Emma Kinyon of Rapid City as his principal nominee to the U.S. Naval Academy, Esten Foss of Aberdeen as his principal nominee to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and Malia Kranz of Watertown as his principal nominee to the U.S. Air Force Academy.
“Each fall, I have the honor of nominating South Dakota students to attend our military service academies. These students are some of the best and the brightest our state has to offer,” said Rounds. “The U.S. service academies are among the most elite educational institutions in the world. After receiving a top-notch education, these South Dakotans will serve our country as active-duty military officers. They’ve worked hard to earn these nominations. We’re proud of these students and their desire to serve our nation.”
Emma Kinyon is a senior at Rapid City Stevens High School, involved in activities such as FIRST Robotics, National Science Bowl, school orchestra, varsity soccer, and research with the Army Educational Outreach Program through the South Dakota School of Mines. She holds a 3.9 GPA and is a National Honor Society member.
“I’m deeply grateful to have received the principal nomination to the United States Naval Academy from Senator Mike Rounds,” said Kinyon. “The academy has been a goal of mine for the past 3 years and I’m incredibly thankful for the peers, mentors, and teachers that have inspired me along the way. I’m also deeply grateful for my friends, family, and Senator Mike Rounds for their confidence in me. I’m excited, not only for the opportunity to improve myself mentally, morally, and physically, but to be a part of the U.S. Navy’s obligation to protect and ensure democracy around the world, and to offer my skills and abilities in defense of freedom and peace.”
Esten Foss is captain of both cross country and wrestling teams at his school in Aberdeen; he participates in track and field while maintaining a 3.96 GPA as a National Honor Society member. He volunteers at Bethlehem Lutheran Church and organized a fundraiser benefiting local veterans.
“I am extremely honored to represent my school, state, and country at the US Military Academy, and I look forward to upholding their motto of Duty, Honor, and Country for the next four years and beyond,” said Foss. “This has been a dream and a primary goal of mine since middle school, and the entire process has taught me about myself and the importance of leadership and integrity. I would like to thank my friends, family, teachers, and all those who helped and supported me throughout this application and my time in high school. Go Army!”
Malia Kranz is recognized as a two-time state champion track athlete from Watertown who also plays varsity basketball; she serves on student council roles including Arrow Ambassador duties while volunteering with elementary-aged children in various capacities such as mentoring or recess monitoring—she holds a 4.0 GPA.
“I am deeply grateful to Senator Mike Rounds for the principal nomination to the United States Air Force Academy,” said Kranz. “Without the relentless encouragement from my family, friends, and community this opportunity would not have been possible. I am eager to take on challenges ahead & honored to serve our nation with integrity discipline & dedication.”
Besides naming three principal nominees per academy each year—one per institution—Rounds may nominate up to fourteen additional candidates per academy competitively; final admissions decisions rest with each academy’s board after reviewing all nominees’ qualifications.
Admission into service academies involves an extensive selection process focusing on leadership ability physical fitness character & academic achievement; applicants must secure congressional nominations which form part of admission requirements alongside meeting eligibility standards set by individual academies themselves.
Students admitted receive scholarships covering tuition room & board plus commissions as officers upon graduation—they commit thereafter typically five years minimum active-duty military service.
Those interested in seeking nomination for future academic years can find application instructions or request information packets via Senator Rounds’ website (https://www.rounds.senate.gov/constituents/academy-nominations) or contact his Rapid City office directly by phone or email.