Today, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) announced seven of her nominees from across Washington’s Third District have been appointed to attend a United States service academy.

In January, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez nominated each of these students based on their exceptional leadership, extracurricular, and academic accomplishments. Afterward, they received and accepted appointment offers from their respective academies and will begin military training this summer.

A week ago, the Congresswoman hosted a send-off dinner for the appointees and their families to get to know them, talk about their future goals, and show her appreciation for their dedication to service.

“Our service academy appointees, as well as their families, made sacrifices to be the type of candidates we would be glad to have represent us in our Armed Forces. They should be proud of their accomplishments, as well as their honorable dedication to defending our freedoms,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “I’m glad I could help give them a warm sendoff and thank them for their commitment to serving our country. Each of these exceptional students will represent Southwest Washington well, and I’m excited to keep up with their ongoing successes.”

Students looking to apply for a service academy should begin the application process toward the end of their junior year of high school. Applications for the next cycle are now open until November 12, 2024, and more information is available on Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez’s website.

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez nominated the following students who were selected to attend a U.S. service academy this year:

Cordelia Ashley – U.S. Naval Academy
Ridgefield High School

Cordelia Ashley of Ridgefield will be attending the U.S. Naval Academy. She will be following in her father’s footsteps in joining the military, who is currently a Senior chief in the U.S. Navy. After visiting the campus in the summer of 2022, Cordelia had her eyes set on the Academy and a dream of becoming a Naval Officer. 

She has taken on several leadership roles at Ridgefield High School, including captaincy on the Track and Cross Country teams, being one of the founding members of the Military Interest Group Club, and serving as a Dance Team inspiration leader. Cordelia has also been involved in community service throughout Ridgefield, showcasing her determination to improve the world around her.

Jacob Bell – U.S. Military Academy
Ridgefield High School

Jacob Bell of Ridgefield will be attending the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in the fall after graduating from Ridgefield High School. He is a strong leader and determined worker, skills that will make him an ideal academy member. 

Jacob is student council President, a leader on Ridgefield’s varsity golf team, and a decorated rodeo competitor. He has also been involved in the local community – serving as the Treasurer of his school’s National Honor Society chapter, volunteering with several organizations, and connecting with community members.

Joseph Blanshan – U.S. Air Force Academy
Seton Catholic College Preparatory High School

Joseph Blanshan of Vancouver will be attending the U.S. Air Force Academy after five years in the Civil Air Patrol. He has long held a passion for flying and has earned his FAA private pilot certificate. 

Joseph is an accomplished athlete, having competed in state and national cross-country and track championships. He also served as President of the National Honor Society at La Center High School, prior to attending Seton Catholic College Preparatory High School. Joseph speaks of military aviation as a place “where I not only can pursue my passion, but more importantly, serve the United States of America.”

Roxanne Casey – U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
Cedar Tree Classical Christian School

Roxanne Casey of Woodland will be attending the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy after five years as a U.S. Naval Sea Cadet. She is a dedicated leader who has had her eyes set on the Academy since she was eight years old. 

Roxanne made Chief Petty Officer while excelling at Cedar Tree Classical Christian School, leading their Varsity Mock Trial Club to the state competition. She has also committed herself to public service, from volunteering with Toys for Tots to using her spring break to help a community affected by forest fires.

Ethan Freund – U.S. Air Force Academy
Kelso High School

Ethan Freund of Kelso will be attending the U.S. Air Force Academy after one year at the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School. He is an accomplished student and athlete who has balanced advanced classes with a long list of wrestling accomplishments, including three years as wrestling team captain at Kelso High School. 

Ethan is excited to build upon his time at Air Force Preparatory School, where he has “experienced the culture and mindset of the military” and “come to appreciate the responsibility and dedication it demands.”

Lily Morgan – U.S. Air Force Academy
Tumwater High School

Lily Morgan of Tenino will be attending the U.S. Air Force Academy in the fall. During high school, she participated in an exchange program in Germany, where she “grew to recognize and appreciate our uniquely American values of individualism and equality.” 

Lily has a long list of academic accomplishments, including being named an AP Scholar with Distinction in 2022. She was a founding member of one of the first Boy Scouts of America troops for girls and has organized and led over 700 hours of community service projects across her Scouting career.

Jacob Peay – U.S. Air Force Academy
Battle Ground High School

Jacob Peay of Battle Ground is set to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy, fulfilling his childhood dream of taking flight and serving his country. To prepare for his future, Jacob joined the United States Air Force Junior ROTC program at Battle Ground High School where he demonstrated strong leadership qualities, service, and academic excellence. 

Jacob’s dedication to aviation led him to attend the Air Force Junior ROTC Flight Academy, where he earned his private pilot’s license. Additionally, he is an accomplished athlete, having achieved a black belt in Taekwondo and served as an instructor. Jacob’s ambitions go beyond his service in the Air Force; he also hopes to one day work toward the astronaut program, aspiring to serve his country by reaching new heights.