Central South Dakota News

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) has announced his nominations for students to be appointed to the nation's service academies for the 2024-2025 school year. The nominations include Ryan Fiechtner of Aberdeen as the top nominee to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Nicholas Gray of Fort Pierre as the top nominee to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and Maya Lee of Dell Rapids as the top nominee to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs. Senator Rounds also nominated Nicholas Hanson, who has received a fully qualified offer of appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy.

In a statement, Senator Rounds expressed his honor in nominating these students, stating, "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 courageously serve our country as active-duty military members. We're proud of Ryan, Nicholas G., Maya, and Nicholas H. for their desire to answer the call of duty to serve our nation."

Ryan Fiechtner, the principal nominee to the U.S. Naval Academy, expressed his gratitude for the nomination, saying, "I am deeply grateful to receive Senator Mike Rounds' principal nomination to the United States Naval Academy. It has been my dream to serve since my freshman year of high school. This opportunity has strengthened my resolve and commitment to the United States armed forces where I seek to become a representative for myself, my family, and my country."

Nicholas Gray, the principal nominee to the U.S. Military Academy, also expressed his appreciation, stating, "It's an honor to be nominated to a service academy. West Point will help me achieve new heights as a leader, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to serve my country."

Maya Lee, the principal nominee to the U.S. Air Force Academy, expressed her excitement at the chance to serve alongside the brave men and women in the United States Air Force, saying, "I'm extremely grateful to receive Senator Rounds' principal nomination for USAFA. It's exciting to have a chance to serve alongside the brave men and women in the United States Air Force."

In addition to the principal nominees, Senator Rounds may send up to nine competitive candidates per academy for consideration. The final appointments will be determined by each service academy admission board.

Students interested in attending a service academy go through a rigorous application process and must meet eligibility requirements in leadership, physical fitness, character, and academics. Those appointed receive a scholarship and military appointment and are required to serve in the military for at least five years upon graduation.

Individuals interested in applying for a service academy nomination for the academic year 2025-2026 should apply by October 1, 2024. Questions about the academy nomination application process can be directed to Senator Rounds' Sioux Falls office.

Senator Rounds' nominations for the U.S. Naval Academy include Ryan Fiechtner, Aubrey Fraasch, Nicholas Gray, Nicholas Hanson, Dale Kinyon II, Talan Lunders, Nicholas Maas, Grant Masek, Jagur Parks, and Keegan Thomas.

For the U.S. Military Academy, the nominations include Nicholas Gray, Aubrey Fraasch, Dale Kinyon II, and Savanah Hendricks.

The nominations for the U.S. Air Force Academy include Maya Lee, Trey Dunse, Shae Fiala, William Fogarty, Tristan Fosberg, Samuel Garrett, Talan Lunders, Nicholas Maas, Trey Murray, and Caleb Pitsenberger.

For the U.S. Merchant Marines Academy, the nominations include Talan Lunders and Jagur Parks.

These young individuals have demonstrated their dedication and commitment to serving their country, and we wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.

To find out more, go to this link: https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-announces-nominations-to-us-service-academies-for-2024-2025-school-year