Davids Announces 13 Local Students Receive U.S. Service Academy Appointments

Today, Representative Sharice Davids announced that 13 students from the Kansas Third District have successfully received their appointments to a U.S. Service Academy. In a send-off event in Overland Park yesterday, Davids presented each student with a certificate acknowledging their incredible achievement, andRyan Rast, a Davids-nominated student and recent graduate of West Point, shared his advice as these students take the next step in their service.

“As Representative for Kansas’ Third District, I’m incredibly honored to nominate our future leaders to our nation’s prestigious military service academies,” said Davids. “I’m the daughter of an Army veteran, so I’ve seen what it takes to serve our country. The individuals we are celebrating have my full support, and I am excited to hear more about their accomplishments in the coming years.”

“Having the honor and privilege to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point for the last four years has been an extraordinary opportunity that has instilled a strong sense of purpose, character, and leadership that I will take with me in my future endeavors,” said Ryan Rast, Davids-nominated student and recent graduate of West Point.“If I could impart advice to future cadets, it would be not to be deterred by failure, to take time to enjoy the small things along your journey, and never settle for anything. I strongly believe that the opportunities and challenges I faced at West Point have helped me become the soldier, leader, and man I am today and that the friendships and memories created at West Point will last forever.”

"Every year, the candidates never fail to impress me,” said Mike Souder, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired). “I come away from the process a bit in awe of the maturity of these high school seniors and how much they have already accomplished. Our district should be very proud that some of our best and brightest chose to attend a service academy and serve their country as future military leaders.”

“It was an honor to spend some time with the families and selectees for the service academies,” said Steve Wallace, Lieutenant Colonel, Infantry, U.S. Army (Retired). “I am confident that they will represent Kansas and their communities well as they begin the process of becoming officers in our armed forces”

Last year, Davids nominated 32 students for an appointment based on the recommendations of her Academy Panelist Board. The panelists conducted personal interviews with each applicant, in addition to reviewing written applications, letters of recommendation, and G.P.A. This year’s nonpartisan board included:

• Mike Souder, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired)
• Steve Wallace, Lieutenant Colonel, Infantry, U.S. Army (Retired)
• Anjail Belton, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy (Retired)

After receiving a nomination from Rep. Davids, these 13 applicants successfully met the individual admission requirements for their respective academies, which made the final decision on an appointment of admission. Photos of the students from the Kansas Third District who received appointments can be found HERE. They include:

United States Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, CO

• John “Jack” Hamilton — Overland Park, Kansas City Christian School
• Robert Hickman — Shawnee, Mill Valley High School
• Colleen McAlister — Prairie Village, Shawnee Mission East High School
• Nicholas "Nick" Westerhaus — Overland Park, Blue Valley Northwest High School

United States Military Academy at West Point, NY

• Max Doerfler — Overland Park, Saint Thomas Aquinas High School
• Jacob Drone — Overland Park, Bishop Miege High School
• Raj Fanaswala — Overland Park, Barstow High School
• Tatum Grimes — Olathe, Saint Thomas Aquinas High School
• Jack Kessler — Fairway, Shawnee Mission East High School
• Andrew Morris — Overland Park, Shawnee Mission South High School
• Sarah Yan — Overland Park, Blue Valley West High School

United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD

• Aiden Howat — Olathe, Olathe South High School
• Elliese Thurlby — Overland Park, Blue Valley Northwest High School