Big Island Military Service Academy Students Honored

United States Senator Brian Schatz honored ten students who plan to attend the United States Military Service Academies during a reception on Tuesday.

Two of the students are Big Island graduates. Iliana Nakamoto of Kamehameha Schools Hawai’i will attend the U.S. Air Force Academy and Sarina Wyrick of St. Joseph School will attend the U.S. Air Force Academy Prep School.

Senator Schatz, as a member of Congress, has the opportunity to take part in nominating exceptional students from throughout the state for appointment to the United States Service Academies.

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, nominated the students. An applicant’s ability to successfully meet rigorous demands for the undergraduate education and training of officers of the United States Armed Forces, demonstrate leadership skill through athletics and other organizations, as well as an overall commitment to the military, the community, and the country are all factors that the panel considered.

U.S Air Force Academy

Noah Crabbe, Kamehameha Schools Kapalama

Christine Lew, James Campbell High School

David Kop, Punahou School

Iliana Nakamoto, Kamehameha Schools Hawai’i

Gordon Kowalkowski, Punahou School

Robert Heckman, Punahou School

U.S Air Force Academy Prep School

Sarina Wyrick, St. Joseph School

U.S. Naval Academy

Kristina Ancheta, James Campbell High School

U.S. Military Academy

Nathanael Endo, Waianae High School

U.S. Naval Academy Foundation Sponsorship School

Daniel Pagaduan, Radford High School