Dent Hosts Send-Off For Service Academy Appointees

When I covered Freedom High School's graduation last week, I feared it would be one of those dreary, boring affairs. Kinda' like my own. I was dead wrong.

They were wonderful kids, looking forward to facing the world. Dana Grubb, who photographed the event, later told me, "They always restore my faith in our youth."

Among the night's many highlights was the special recognition given to Seth Watlington, who learned that night of his appointment to the Naval academy. He walked onto the stage with an Oxford cap, but left with a NAVY baseball cap, as Stabler Arena thundered with applause.

Lehigh Valley Congressman Charlie Dent, in what must be one of his most pleasant duties, yesterday hosted a send-off for the seventeen students from his District who will attend one of the nation's five service academies.

“Nominating hard-working local students for admission to one of our nation’s prestigious service academies is one of my most rewarding responsibilities as a Member of Congress,” said Dent. “These 17 students are some of the brightest and most dedicated young people in our area. I applaud their decision to serve our nation while continuing their education, and wish them the best of luck as they begin their studies this fall.”

Let me list these young men and women:

U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD:

·         Venus Molony, Moravian Academy

·         Mark Schnable, Allentown Central Catholic High School

·         Seth Watlington, Freedom High School

·         John Zawarski, Mercersburg Academy

Naval Academy Preparatory School, Newport, RI:

·         Jonathan Daus, Bangor Area High School

U.S. Military Academy, West Point, NY:

·         Meaghan Ellison, Easton Area High School

·         Eric Johnson, Nazareth Area High School

·         Ian Myers, Notre Dame High School

·         Aimee Ortner, Northern Lehigh High School

·         Zachary Panto, Catasauqua Area High School

·         Peter Stanley, Easton Area High School

U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School, West Point, NY:

·         Matthew Scot Bryant, U.S. Army Reserve

·         Bridgette Dougherty, Southern Lehigh High School

·         Christopher Monge, Valley Forge Military Academy

U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO:

·         Evan Allman, Liberty High School

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY:

·         Scott Dennin, Boyertown Area High School

·         Nicole Mautino, Saucon Valley High School