11.11.13

Hoeven Nominates Six Students for Military Academy Appointments

students for appointment to our nation’s military academies. Hoeven nominated: Chandler Vercher of Minot, Jacob Santer of Fargo and Anthony Coronato of Fargo to the United States Naval Academy; Leah Fagerland of Minot and Nicholas Scarberry of Fargo to the United States Military Academy at West Point; and Mitchell Robinson of Minot to the United State Air Force Academy.

“It is an honor to have the opportunity to appoint several of North Dakota’s top students for appointments to our nation’s military academies,” Hoeven said. “Our nation’s prestigious military academies have a distinguished history of shaping and educating some of our country’s finest leaders. I am confident this group of North Dakota students will continue this proud legacy and represent our state well as they prepare to serve as officers in the United States military.”

As part of the application process, service academies require students to be nominated by a member of Congress or the Vice President. Final appointments are determined by each academy. Students appointed to the academies receive a scholarship as well as a military appointment. Following graduation, students must serve in the military for at least five years.

Individuals interested in applying for a military academy nomination for academic year 2015-2016 should submit an application by September 2014.

Hoeven nominated the following North Dakota students for academy appointments:

United States Naval Academy

Chandler Vercher, Minot, ND

Chandler is a senior at Magic City Campus in Minot, where he is ranked number 1 of 449 students in the class of 2014. Chandler has been involved in a variety of sports during his high school years including track, basketball and football. He is highly involved with Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), is the current local president and was awarded the Who’s Who Award for 2013. Chandler has volunteered with homeless shelters, the Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity. Chandler is the son of Col. Robert and Amy Vercher.

Jacob Santer, Fargo, ND

Jacob is a senior at Fargo North High School in Fargo, where he participates in FBLA and Key Club. Jacob is also a very avid bowler and a member of the bowling club. Jacob attended the Summer Seminar at the U.S. Naval Academy and considered it an honor to experience what life is like as a midshipman. Jacob has given many volunteer hours to the Academy for Children. He is the son of Donald and Alisen Santer.

Anthony Coronato, Fargo, ND

Anthony is a senior at Fargo North High School in Fargo. He is the son of Anthony and Christine Coronato. Anthony has been a wrestler for all four years of high school and a member of the JROTC where he holds many leadership positions. He has performed over 50 color guards within the Fargo community as well as competing in several drill and physical fitness competitions.

United States Military Academy (West Point)

Leah Fagerland, Minot, ND

Leah is currently a graduate student at North Dakota State University (NDSU) in the Architecture Program. Leah graduated from Minot High School and NDSU in May 2013. She is currently active in the American Institute of Architecture Students. Leah has been involved in a variety of sports, challenging courses and many leadership activities throughout her high school and college years. A strong family tradition of military service has given Leah a desire to become an officer in the United States Army. She is the daughter of Bert Fagerland.

Nicholas Scarberry, Fargo, ND

Nicholas is a senior at Davies High School in Fargo. He is the son of Eugene and Susan Scarberry. Nicholas is a National Honor Society member and has participated in track and field all four years of his high school career. Nicholas has participated in the JROTC program and has earned multiple recognitions and awards. He also has been a member of the Davies High School Chamber Orchestra and the Fargo Moorhead Youth Symphony playing the viola.

United States Air Force Academy

Mitchell Robinson, Minot, ND

Mitchell is a senior at Magic City Campus in Minot, where he has been involved in various activities including the Varsity Swim Team, FBLA, and JROTC. Mitchell is also a National Honor Society member and was competitively selected to participate in a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) program. He is a lifeguard at the Minot Air Force Base Pool. Mitchell is the son of Christopher and Louann Robinson.