WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, U.S Representative Michael A. Arcuri (D-Utica) congratulated nine local students he nominated from the 24^th Congressional District who have received appointments to military service academies.

“It is an honor to congratulate these outstanding young men and woman for their appointments to our military service academies and applaud their commitment to selflessly serve our great country,” Arcuri said. “These young men and women achieved not only academic success, but have shown a true commitment to our community and our country. I am proud to recognize their great achievement and wish them the most success.”

Appointees to service academies are chosen from nominations received from Members of Congress throughout the country. Last year, Arcuri nominated 24 students in the 24^th Congressional District for one of the five U.S. military service academies. Arcuri’s Veterans Advisory Committee recommended students for nomination. Students nominated by Arcuri competed against students around the country for appointments to the various academies. The following appointments were determined by the academies, selecting from a nationwide pool of nominees.

United States Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs, CO)

Joseph Michael Silverio, son of Mark Silverio and Bonnie Silverio of Binghamton (Broome County), has been appointed to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. A senior at Chenango Forks High School, Joseph’s activities include: Cross Country, Swim Team, Track and Field, Baseball and Science Club

Cooper Zielinski, son of John and Kate Zielinski of Marcy (Oneida County), has been appointed to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. A senior at Whitesboro High School, Cooper’s activities include: Soccer, Hockey, Lacrosse, Student Council, Mathematics Team and Volunteer Work.

United States Military Academy (West Point, NY)

Jacob Peter Persoon, son of Jack and Jen Persoon of Interlaken (Seneca County), has been appointed to the United States Military Academy in West Point, NY. A graduate of South Seneca High School and student at the United States Military Academy Preparatory School, Jacob’s activities include: Wrestling, Football, Track and Field and Volunteer Work.

Janet Rolf, daughter of James and Mary Rolf of Rome (Oneida County), has been appointed to the United States Military Academy in West Point, NY. A senior at Rome Free Academy, Janet’s activities include: Varsity Swim Team (Captain), School Newspaper and Yearbook, Student Association and Volunteer Work.

Andrew John Vanderhoof, son of E. John and Megan Vanderhoof of Verona (Oneida County), has been appointed to the United States Military Academy in West Point, NY. A senior at Holy Cross Academy, Andrew’s activities include: American Legion Boy’s State, Soccer, School President and Volunteer Work through Church.

Thomas Steven Wagner, son of Rich and Julie Wagner of Clinton (Oneida County), has been appointed to the United States Military Academy in West Point, NY. A senior at Clinton Central High School, Thomas’ activities include: Varsity Soccer, Varsity Track and Field and Boy Scouts (Eagle Scout).

United States Naval Academy (Annapolis, MD)

Kaylee Marie Bassett, daughter of Lance Bassett of Hubbardsville (Madison County) and Deana Barker of Rome (Oneida County), has been appointed to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. A senior at Rome Free Academy, Kaylee’s activities include: Varsity Field Hockey Team-9^th Grade, Varsity Basketball Team-9^th Grade, Varsity Swim Team-11^th and 12^th grade, National Honor Society, French Club, Student Council and Volunteer Work.

Maida Kalic, daughter of Ismet and Sue Kalic of Vernon (Oneida County), has been appointed to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. A graduate of Thomas R. Proctor High School and a student at the United States Naval Academy Preparatory School, Maida’s activities include: Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer, Track, Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) and Volunteer Work.

Joshua Francis Malia, son of Michael and Melinda Malia of Owego (Tioga County), has been appointed to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. A senior at Owego Free Academy, Joshua’s activities include: National Honor Society, Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award from the University of Rochester, Varsity Swim Team and Volunteer Work.

Each year, Arcuri hosts an information session for high school sophomores and juniors interested in applying to one of the five U.S. service academies.  Liaison officers representing each of the five academies are available to answer any questions students and parents may have about the application process, and to discuss campus life and the tradition of the academies. Students with questions regarding the nomination and application process for U.S service academies are encouraged to contact Arcuri’s Utica district office.