Lacey Grad Gets Congressional Honor Ahead Of Attending Air Force Academy

LACEY, NJ — A recent Lacey Township High School graduate got to be celebrated by Rep. Chris Smith before she heads off to become a future U.S. military leader.

Katrina Conti, who will be attending the United States Air Force Academy, was one of eight teens in the Fourth Congressional District who were nominated by Smith and selected to attend one of the nation's prestigious military academies. Conti and the other students will join the ranks of the Class of 2029 to eventually become an officer in the U.S. Armed Forces.

“I consider it one of my greatest honors as a Member of Congress to nominate the most capable and extraordinary students from my District to attend the service academies,” said Smith, who recently hosted a ceremony at his office in Toms River for all eight members of this year’s cohort.

Smith presented each student with an American flag flown over the United States Capitol in their honor, and he met with dozens of family members and well-wishers.

“Each academy uniquely prepares its graduates to lead others in uniform in the defense of our nation—and I am consistently impressed with the qualities and dedication that these young women and men bring to the process,” Smith said.

To attend one of these military academies, students must not only show academic, medical, physical and high school records, they have to be nominated by their Member of Congress, U.S. Senator, the President or Vice President, among other nominating sources.

“It is a high honor and privilege to join your parents, family and friends in congratulating each of you on a truly remarkable achievement—you have all been chosen through a rigorous selection process to attend one of the prestigious United States Service Academies,” Smith said to the future cadets and midshipmen.

Among the distinguished guests at the ceremony was keynote speaker Colonel Russell Gheesling, Commander of the 87th Civil Engineer Group at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, who shared inspirational lessons in leadership gathered from his more than 20 years in uniformed service.

The other students included Leila Castell (Shrewsbury, West Point), Jake Dembowski (Middletown, West Point), Morgan Zylinski (Lavallette, West Point), Aidan Gravelli (Middletown, U.S. Naval Academy), Christina Liggio (Colts Neck, U.S. Naval Academy), Nathan Olmeda (Middletown, U.S. Naval Academy) and Olivia Palutis (Ocean Twp. [Monmouth County], U.S. Naval Academy).

“Thanks to each of you for your willingness and commitment to serve. As you become America’s leaders of the most important fighting force on earth, know that our hopes and prayers are with you. I, and all of us, deeply respect your hard work that brought you to this day,” Smith told the students.

Each year, Smith hosts an Academy information night in the spring. Students must apply for consideration for a nomination. For more information, please visit Congressman Smith’s Academy Information Page.