Service Academy Appointees Announced By Thompson

RUTHERFORD - U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-5) Wednesday announced five service academy appointees from the 5th Congressional District.

Thompson named appointees from Martinez, Vallejo, American Canyon, Benicia and Santa Rosa.

“I consider it a high honor to annually appoint candidates from our community to the service academies,” said Thompson in a statement.

“As our future military leaders, the young men and women selected as appointees from our district must meet high standards and complete a competitive application process. I commend each of our five appointees this year for their hard work and I congratulate them on this remarkable accomplishment. I know they’ll continue to make our district proud.”

According to Thompson's Washington, D.C. office, the Representative recognized and honored the appointees at an event last night in Rutherford.

(Photos and information were supplied by Thompson's office.)

The appointees are:

Sydney Rickert

For the U.S. Air Force Academy:

• Sydney Rickert, Santa Rosa: Sydney will be graduating from Maria Carrillo High School where she played on Maria Carrillo’s nationally-ranked women’s high school soccer team. She was a team captain, named to the All-American High School League Watch List, 2015-2016, and received the first team All-League award, 2014-2015. She has volunteered in a number of capacities, including as a children’s soccer coach, working with horses and as a paralegal assistant. She received a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for going to the 2015 Elite Clubs National League Finals and was recognized by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors for her Championship win with Maria Carrillo’s women’s soccer team.

Emma Farr

For the U.S. Naval Academy:

• Emma Farr, Martinez: Emma will be graduating from Alhambra High School. With her appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, Emma is continuing a family legacy. Her uncle, father, and grandfather all served in the Navy and her sister currently attends the U.S. Naval Academy. Emma’s goal is to become an officer in the United States Marine Corps. In high school, she was named to the Principal’s Honor Roll, 2012-2015 and to the National Society of High School Scholars, 2012-2015. She was an American Legion Auxiliary Girl’s National Senator in 2015 and attended the National Youth Leadership Conference in 2012. Emma also volunteered weekly at the Veterans Administration hospital and played both varsity volleyball and track and field. She also enjoys doing art, hiking, and camping.

For the United States Military Academy at West Point:

• Bosung Lim, Benicia: Bosung graduated from Benicia High School in 2013 where he was salutatorian of his graduating class. He is fluent in Korean, having moved to the United States from Korea when he was ten-years-old. Bosung has volunteered in special needs classes during the summers for three years. He will be returning to West Point after a leave of absence.

Mia Melgoza

• Mia Melgoza, Vallejo: Mia played travel softball for five years with both the Vallejo Hurricanes and the Benicia Outlaws, and she volunteered with the local charity Families Helping Families. Mia will be graduating fifth in her class from Richmond California Preparatory. Her recognition and accolades during high school include: Honor Roll, June 2015; Golden Bear Award, July 2015; Devil Pups Competition, 2015; Dean’s List, October 2013 and October 2014; Core Values Award, June 2015; Entrepreneur of the Month In Business to Learn, September 2013; Build Academic Award for Academic Achievement 2014-2015; Scientific Excellence, June 2015; Certificate of Completion, Berkeley-Haas School of Business, High School Entrepreneurship Session, 2015; CalPrep Scientific Excellence for Top Experimental Design, Aspire California College Preparatory Academy.

Tyler Leary

• Tyler Leary, American Canyon: Tyler is graduating first in his class from American Canyon High School. He was on the varsity wrestling, water polo and cross country teams. He also played in the marching band and was a captain and co-captain of the Winter Drumline. Tyler has worked as an instructor of Tahitian dance since 2012 and was a member of the Jiu Jitsu club, 2013-2014. Tyler’s recognition and accolades during high school include: Lone Wolf Award (4.0 GPA), 2012-2013 and 2013-2014; National Honor Society, August 2014-present; Key Club 2013-2014; Outstanding Marching Percussion Performance Winter Percussion 2015; Instrumental Music Varsity Letter 2015.