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Amata announces 2023 nominees from Am Samoa to the Service Academies

Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata
Source: Uifa’atali Amata’a Washington D.C. office press release

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is delighted to announce the nominations of 11 excellent students from American Samoa for consideration by the prestigious military service academies in 2023. As the students can apply to more than one academy, there are 17 nominations in all.

This year, the U.S. Air Force Academy has the most nominees with seven applicants, the U.S. Naval Academy has six nominees, the U.S. Military Academy (Army) has three nominees, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy has one applicant.

 “These nominations reflect quality grades, hard work, good reputations, and a lot of determination by each student,” said Congresswoman Amata. “The academies require a thorough application that must be completed by the student in order to qualify for a nomination, so I appreciate the character of each nominee.”

Last year, American Samoa’s allotment to the Air Force Academy was full with no option for a nomination, but due to the graduated class, the Congresswoman was once again able to nominate to any academy this year.

The nominations each year are based on the high quality of the students' combined academic records, essays, along with letters of recommendation from their teachers, church leaders and local community leaders, plus the required verification that they have already applied separately to the academy or academies of their choice, as required by the academies in order to be nominated.

 “It’s a joy to see each class of nominees with all their potential and motivation,” continued Amata. “Each student has a wonderful future and has earned a variety of likely academic opportunities. Thank you to the proud families of these accomplished students, as well as their teachers, pastors and mentors. Congratulations, and American Samoa is cheering you on and praying for you.”

The service academies are fully funded federal colleges whose mission is to train future officers and leaders that will serve in each respective armed service. The admissions process is extremely competitive, as the academies seek candidates with high potential to become leaders as commissioned officers in the United States Armed Forces. The outcome depends on the upcoming decisions of the academies. Any students who are offered an appointment for the class would then be able to enter that academy in the summer.

The U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a congressional nomination as part of its competitive application process, however, Congresswoman Amata is always pleased to include any accepted applicants from American Samoa in announcements each year, as well as highlight any presidential academy nominees if they occur from American Samoa.