Five Maui Students Nominated to Service Academies

By Wendy Osher

US Senator Mazie K. Hirono, US Senator Brian Schatz, and Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaiʻi announced their respective student nominations to the US military service academies for the Class of 2018.

The lists included a total of five students from Maui who were nominated to the following academies:

• Trent Hori of Kahului attends Maui High School and nominated by Sen. Hirono to the US Air Force Academy; by Rep. Gabbard to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.; and by Sen. Schatz to an unspecified academy.
• Iain J. Armitage of Kula attends Kamehameha Schools on Maui and was nominated by Sen. Hirono to the US Military Academy at West Point; by Rep. Gabbard to the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo; and by Sen. Schatz to an unspecified academy.
• Ethan Finberg of Kula attends Seabury Hall and was nominated by Sen. Hirono to the US Military Academy at West Point; and by Rep. Gabbard to the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.
• Erin K.G. Lindsey of Kula attends Kamehameha Schools Maui campus, and was nominated by Sen. Hirono to the US Military Academy at West Point; by Rep. Gabbard to the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo; and by Sen. Schatz to an unspecified academy.
• Christopher Baker of Kula attends Seabury Hall and was nominated by Rep. Gabbard to both the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., and the Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y.

The student applications has since been forwarded to respective service academies for final selection consideration.  Nomination does not guarantee appointment.

Selection is based on scholastic achievement, leadership experience, school involvement, athletic and extra-curricular activities, community contributions and volunteer or employment experiences. Overall commitment to the military, community and country are also considered.

“The men and women of the US armed forces secure our daily liberties and make our country what it is, ” said Senator Schatz in a press release announcing the nominations.

“This year’s service academy nominees represent Hawaiʻi’s best and brightest students. These students have completed a highly competitive selection process and I extend my gratitude to this group of young patriots for their courage and willingness to commit to the rigorous training necessary to become a commissioned officer and serve our country,” said Sen. Schatz.