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TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Getting into U.S. military academies is highly competitive; students need a nomination from a member of Congress to even apply.
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This year, 30 southern Arizona students earned a nomination from Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Arizona, as well as other leaders.
Joanie Tarleton’s grandfather served in the Navy and lived with her for 10 years.
“He was very much like an older male figure in my life, someone that I looked up to for a long time,” said Tarleton, a Pusch Ridge graduating senior.
Tarleton is following in his footsteps. She was accepted into the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and plans to become a pilot.
First in the family to serve
Jacob Ouellet will be the first in his family to serve.
“The same opportunities that everybody gave you, you want to give that to other people, and it’s really about giving back and defending what you really believe in,” said Ouellet, an Ironwood Ridge graduating senior.
Every year, tens of thousands of students try to get into military academies. West Point says it has an acceptance rate around 14%, and U.S. News and World Report puts the acceptance rate at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at 32%.
From 40 applications, Rep. Juan Ciscomani nominated 30 southern Arizona students to U.S. military academies this year.
“These students embody the best in our community, and then they decide to put all their skills to use in service of our nation,” Rep. Ciscomani said.
His support is a key piece of the application. Students cannot be accepted without a congressional nomination.
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“When I’ve got this high volume of veterans, and then I’ve got this sharp, high volume of students coming into service, it’s a great combination and something that makes our district so unique,” Rep. Ciscomani said.
Conflict with Iran shapes decisions
This year, Tucson students said the conflict with Iran made them consider their goals differently.
“It’s just put, I think, in reality of, what it means to serve, rather than you get to serve and also be with your family all the time,” Tarleton said.
“It does change the way I’m feeling about joining, but I would still join nonetheless because it’s really about the people around me rather than one person in charge making the decision,” Ouellet said.
Ouellet has been accepted to West Point and is waiting to hear back from the Air Force Academy.
If you know of a high schooler who’d like to apply to a military academy, you can find more information here.
Isabela Lisco is a Report for America corpsmember covering education solutions for 13 News. Her position is made possible through funding from Report for America and the Arizona Local News Foundation’s Arizona Community Collaborative Fund.
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