Metro Detroit Students Set For Service Academies

NOVI, MI - Kristin Kelly, of Novi, is one of a dozen area students that will be heading off to a national service academy this fall. Kelly, who attended Ladywood High School before graduating in June, will head off to New London, Connecticut to attend the Coast Guard Academy.

U.S. Rep. Dave Trott, a Troy Republican, nominated each of the students. "These students are some of our community's best and brightest. Acceptance into these academies is a testament to their academic prowess, excellent leadership skills, and strong community involvement.” Trott said in a statement. “As they enter a new and exciting chapter of their lives, I wish each and every one of them the best and thank them for stepping up to defend our great nation."

(For more local news, click here to sign up for real-time news alerts and newsletters from Novi Patch, click here to find your local Michigan Patch. Also, follow us on Facebook, and if you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

Each year, Trott nominates local students to our nation's service academies. This year, twelve students received his Congressional nomination, were admitted into the academy of their choice, and accepted their appointments.

Trott is now accepting applications for next year's nomination process. Interested students may complete the 2017 Nomination Application Packet.

Students listed by chosen service academy as follows:

Army (West Point)
Dylan Moser of White Lake, Walled Lake Northern High School
Nathan Schubring of Plymouth, Salem High School
Mirriam Tolston of Commerce, Walled Lake Central High School

Navy (Annapolis)
Abigail Bernard of Birmingham, Ernest W. Seaholm High School
Benjamin Cracraft of Northville, Northville High School
Jaclyn Pabalan of Troy, Troy High School
Erik Purdil of Northville, Schoolcraft College
Daniel Vela of Novi, Detroit Catholic Central High School

Air Force (Colorado Springs)
Farzad Baghaie of Northville, Detroit Catholic Central High School
Catherine Cavanaugh of Milford, South Lyon High School
William Ulrich of Birmingham, St. Francis Preparatory High School

Photo courtesy of U.S. Rep. Dave Trott