U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz announced today that Xavier Allen, 18, a senior at Navarre High School, has been selected for an appointment to The United States Military Academy Prep School at West Point.
Xavier Allen’s parents, Willie and Shuana Allen both served in the United States Air Force. Xavier’s parent’s service to country motivated his desire to follow their example at a young age. Allen is passionate about science and has an endless thirst to learn and excel in academics, athletics and other extracurricular activities.
Members of Congress are authorized by law to nominate candidates for appointment to four U.S. service academies. These schools are the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment. These institutions prepare college-age Americans to be officers of the U.S. uniformed services. Upon graduation, service academy graduates are commissioned as officers in the active or reserve components of the military or merchant marine for a minimum of five years.
Last year, 83 Northwest Florida students sought nomination from Congressman Gaetz for a military academy. Each student was evaluated based on their academic achievements, extra-curricular activities, leadership skills, physical aptitude, letters of recommendation, character and motivation and compared with other applicants.
Our next Military Service Academy information sessions will be on March 27, 2018 at Pace High School and on March 29, 2018 at Niceville High School from 6-8pm both nights.