Local students accepted into military academies

Twelve young men and women from the 24th Congressional District have been accepted to U.S. military academies, representing six different high schools in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.

Four local applicants were accepted to the Air Force Academy. They are Anson Harvey, 18, Westlake High School; Daniel Nelson, 18, Oaks Christian School; Ethan Salgado, 17, Royal High School; and Krystin Shanklin, 17, Westlake High School.

Four were accepted to the Naval Academy. They are Robert Nordlund, 18, Oaks Christian School; Cory Poudrier, 21, a 2005 graduate of Newbury Park High School, accepted straight from the fleet; Cooper Shockley, 18, Westlake High School; and Blaine Worthington, 18, Moorpark High School.

Aaron Van Driessche, 18, of Royal High School was accepted into the Naval Academy Prep School.

The applicants appeared before a military academy nomination board comprised of board chair Col. John Moriarity (Ret.) and Charlie Tennant, representing the U.S. Military Academy at West Point; Cmdr. Andrew Barton (Ret.) and Geoff Broderick, representing the U.S. Naval Academy; Maj. Carl Ferraris (Ret.) and Col. Rosemary Heredy (Ret.), representing the U.S. Air Force Academy; and Ken Fidyk representing the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

Academy Information Nights for 2009 appointments will be held in the fall.

Those interested in pursuing a nomination for next year should call Deputy Director Steve Lavagnino at (805) 6862525 or visit www.house.gov/ gallegly/services/ academies.htm, which includes links to the different academies.