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Hirono Announces Class of 2028 Nominees to the United States Service Academies

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) announced the nomination of 32 Hawaii students to U.S. military service academies for the Class of 2028. The nominees will advance for consideration by each academy’s director of admissions.

“It is inspiring to see students across Hawaii, year after year, apply to our military service academies with the intent of serving our country,” said Senator Hirono. “I am proud to announce this year’s impressive group of nominees to the service academies. I am confident they will represent our state with pride and distinction.”

Today’s announcement includes Senator Hirono’s nominations for the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy uses a separate application process. Members of Congress submit nominations to the four service academies for their respective states. Each academy’s director of admissions then selects from the submitted lists of nominees, who are measured on their scholastic achievement, leadership experience, school involvement, athletic and extra-curricular activities, community contributions, and volunteer or employment experiences. Nomination does not guarantee appointment.

Senator Hirono’s Class of 2028 Academy Nominations are:

U.S. Naval Academy

  • Jesse Baker, Maryknoll School
  • Lily Barrett, King Kekaulike High School
  • Alexia Cramer, Mililani High School
  • Shane Kilty, Le Jardin Academy
  • Novalee Lackey, Kalaheo High School
  • Avery Morano, Saint Louis School
  • Mia Patton, Iolani School
  • Katherine Philpott, Hawaii Preparatory School
  • Kaleikaumaka Roback, Kamehameha Schools – Maui
  • Keyneia Sumampong, Pearl City High School

U.S. Air Force Academy

  • Aubrey Adams, Radford High School
  • Isabella Arrisgado, Maryknoll School
  • Jesse Baker, Maryknoll School
  • Kaili Bellisle, Radford High School
  • Astin Hange, Punahou School
  • Leah Hayslett, Radford High School
  • Tyler Ishikawa, Mililani High School
  • Enoch Pangaribuan, Thompson Academy
  • Katherine Philpott, Hawaii Preparatory School
  • Kaleikaumaka Roback, Kamehameha Schools – Maui

U.S. Military Academy at West Point

  • Aubrey Adams, Radford High School
  • Fallon Barretto, Kamehameha Schools
  • Boris Dimitrov, Radford High School
  • Jace Furuto, Iolani School
  • Danielle Henderson, Moanalua High School
  • Luke Mamiya, Punahou School
  • Avery Morano, Saint Louis School
  • Jolie Nguyen, Iolani School
  • Thomas Wahl, James Campbell High School
  • Mayhem Woosley, Kapolei High School

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

  • Ava Ahokovi, Punahou School
  • Boris Dimitrov, Radford High School

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