Staunton Star - Times - Published in the Interest of the Staunton Community for Over 143 Years

Three area high school students have been nominated for admittance to the U.S. Service Academies for the Class of 2026 by Congressman Rodney Davis.

Gavin Matoush, the son of Chris and Jill Matoush, attends Hillsboro High School. He was nominated to the Military, Air Force and Naval academies.

Allen Schneider, the son of Fred and Mary Ellen Schneider, attends Litchfield High School. He was nominated to the Military, Air Force, Naval and Merchant Marine academies.

Drake Scroggins, the son of David and Laura Scroggins, attends Bunker Hill High School. He was nominated to the Air Force Academy.

The nominations for these students were made following an application and interview process. Final determination on admission is made by the individual academies.

All members of Congress are asked to nominate candidates to the U.S. Service Academies each year, and the number of vacancies for each congressional district is determined by law. Candidates can be considered for openings at the U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs, Colo.); U.S. Merchant Marines Academy (Kings Point, N.Y.); U.S. Military Academy (West Point, N.Y.); and the U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis, Md.).

Service academies offer fully funded four-year scholarships to young U.S. citizens who qualify by age and academics, who demonstrate desirable leadership qualities, and who strive for excellence in all their endeavors. A four-year education at one of the service academies has an estimated value of approximately $300,000.