Hirono Nominates 3 Maui Students to 2020 US Service Academies

Three Maui students are among a list of 46 across the state nominated to US military service academies by US Senator Mazie Hirono for the Class of 2020.

Maui nominations include: Benjamin Maurice Wuthrich to the US Naval Academy, US Military Academy and US Merchant Marine Academy; Dean Kazuyuki Omura to the US Air Force Academy; and Aleksander Grant Asayo Paet to the US Military Academy.

Wuthrich is a resident of Kīhei and attends Henry Perrine Baldwin High School where he is an Honor Roll student with a GPA of 3.5-3.99.  His extracurricular activities include: JROTC, Varsity Football (MIL Champions), Varsity Soccer (MIL Goal Keeper of the Year), Varsity Cross Country and Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America.

Like a handful of students on Senator Hirono’s nomination list, Wuthrich was identified as a strong student who qualified for three different service academies and has demonstrated a willingness to attend any one of the three institutions.

Omura is a resident of Lahaina and attends Lahainaluna High School where is also an Honor Roll student with a GPA of 3.5-3.99.  His extracurricular activities include: Civil Air Patrol, Varsity Soccer, Varsity Cross Country, Varsity Track and Field and Maui Matsuri volunteer.

Paet is a resident of Wailuku and attends Henry Perrine Baldwin High School where he is an Honor Roll student with a GPA of 3.5-3.99.  His extracurricular activities include: Varsity Basketball, Varsity Cross Country, Varsity Track and Field, Key Club and Interact Club.

“I commend these students for their years of study, hard work, and dedication as they represent the highest caliber of young leaders the State of Hawaiʻi has to offer,” said Senator Hirono in a press release announcement.

“These young men and women are exceptional individuals with records of outstanding academic achievement, community involvement, physical fitness, and personal character.  I am proud to submit this year’s list of nominees to our military service academies and wish these young adults the best in the ongoing pursuit of their academic and career goals. I appreciate their commitment of service to our nation,” she said.

The students’ applications are now being considered by the four academies for final selections and nominations do not guarantee enrollment into service academies.

US Senators and Representatives submit nominations and each academy’s director of admissions then selects from the submitted lists of nominees.  Senator Hirono said selection criteria includes scholastic achievement, leadership experience, school involvement, athletic and extra-curricular activities, community contributions, and volunteer or employment experiences.