Two Big Island Students Among U.S. Service Academy Nominees
Two Big Island students are among the 38 named Thursday by United States Senators Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz as nominees to attend one of the nation’s service academies. Sarina Wyrick of St. Joseph High School and Iliana Nakamoto of Kamehameha Schools Hawai’i are among the students who are nominated for consideration by the U.S. Service Academies to attend the United States Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, and the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
“This year’s U.S. Service Academy nominees represent a new generation of future military leaders, all of whom completed a highly competitive and rigorous selection process,” said Senator Schatz. “I admire these students for their courage and commitment to serve based on the values that make this Nation great.”
The nominees were selected by a panel that included Allen Hoe, a decorated Vietnam War veteran and current Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for East Hawai’i.
“Inspired by the many generations of Hawaii men and women who have answered the call to service, these young adults exemplify the finest of our island state. I am proud to nominate these candidates and certain that each of them will represent Hawaii in fine fashion as the continue the application process,” said Senator Hirono.
Applicants were considered based on their ability to successfully meet the rigorous demands for the undergraduate education and training of officers of the United States Armed Forces. Applicant demonstration of leadership skills through athletics and other organizations, as well as an overall commitment to the military, the community and the country, are also considered.
Other students nominated throughout the state include:
Adam Amosa, James Campbell High School
Kristina Ancheta, James Campbell High School
Joshua Chae, Henry J. Kaiser High School
Michael Chasen, Seabury Hall
Ray Cochrane, Moanalua High School
Noah Crabbe, Kamehameha Schools Kapalama
Nathanael Endo, Waianae High School
Austin Faulkner, Moanalua High School
Kai’onu Gantz, Kapolei High School
Kate Greathouse, Moanalua High School
Nicole Grimm, Kalaheo High School
Robert Heckman, Punahou School
Calen Scot Holt, Kamehameha Schools Kapalama
Isaac Hoyohoy, James Campbell High School
Alexander Kidani, Punahou School
David Kim, ‘Iolani School
Yu Jin Kim, Moanalua High School
David Kop, Punahou School
Gordon Kowalkowski, Punahou School
Alexander Lee, ‘Iolani School
Matthew Lee, Punahou School
Christine Lew, James Campbell High School
Lowen Joshua Lobaton, Kapolei High School
Russ Macadangdang, Kapolei High School
Matthew Mantanona, James Campbell High School
Diana Marquez, Aiea High School
Kenji Mori, Punahou School
Sabrina Ray Olaes, Kapolei High School
Peter Orlich, Le Jardin Academy
Angela Lois Ortiz, Kalani High School
Daniel Pagaduan, Radford High School
Mitchell Rumbaoa, Henry J. Kaiser High School
Lael Sommer, Punahou School
Noah Toaso, Kalaheo High School
Rene Valentine, Damien Memorial School
Benjamin Wuthrich, H.P. Baldwin High School