Bangor, Easton Send Two Students to Military Academies

Bangor, PA – Yesterday, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced  that Bangor Area High School senior Amelia Natalia O’Brien, has been accepted to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD. Rep. Cartwright proudly nominated Amelia to attend the academy where she will begin her service career.

Amelia is the daughter of Patrick Jr. and Magdalena O’Brien. Throughout her high school career, Amelia has demonstrated tremendous leadership in her scholastic and extracurricular endeavors, serving as editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, student government class secretary, and captain of the swim, cross country, and track teams. As a result of her outstanding leadership, Amelia received the Dwight D. Eisenhower Award for Outstanding Leadership from the West Point Society of the Lehigh Valley.

“Each year, I have the distinct honor of nominating students from the 17th Congressional District to our nation’s military academies,” said Rep. Cartwright. “To be nominated, students must not only excel academically, but also exhibit a passion for service and leadership. Amelia is a well-rounded, bright young woman and a role model for her peers; I am so proud of her hard work, perseverance, and acceptance into the academy.”

A nomination does not guarantee that the student will be accepted.

In order to attend one of the military academies, students must receive a nomination from their Member of Congress. Students may apply to the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), the Air Force Academy, the Naval Academy, and the Merchant Marine Academy. The U.S.Coast Guard Academy is the one service academy that declines to rely on congressional nominations

Accepted students will receive a full scholarship and upon graduation, must complete the military service requirement for each school. Congressmen typically make five nominations per year, and usually rely on the recommendation of a committee of district citizens.

Rep. Cartwright added, “Throughout our nation’s history, U.S. Service Academies have played an important role in preparing young people for service to our country. As a Pennsylvanian, I am proud of our patriotic young men and women who are willing to step forward and answer the call of duty. It is an honor to play a role in preparing our next generation of leaders.”

O'Brien will be joined at West Point by Easton Area High School 2017 graduate announced Matthew Horace, a 2017 graduate of Easton Area High School. He was nominated by Rep. Cartwright last year, but first spent a year at the United States Military Academy Prep School at West Point.

Matthew is the son of Matthew and Dawn Horace. During his high school career, Matthew achieved high honors and was captain of the lacrosse team, a member of the Eastern PA Conference Student Athlete Character, and Sportsmanship Council.