11.10.23

Hoeven Nominates Six Students to U.S. Military Academies Class of 2028

WASHINGTON - Senator John Hoeven announced today that he has nominated six North Dakota students for appointments to the U.S. military academies. Hoeven nominated Ayden Frohlich and Ethan Kawecki of Bismarck to the U.S. Naval Academy, Nicholas Borowski, Joshua Messelt and Thomas Lemen of Fargo to the U.S. Air Force Academy, and Saxon Weaver of Fargo to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

“Our state has a strong history of military service, and we are proud to nominate these six talented young students from North Dakota to our nation’s exceptional military academies.” said Hoeven. “Ayden, Ethan, Nicholas, Joshua, Thomas and Saxon will do an outstanding job representing our state and nation as they have the attributes, character and educational accomplishments needed to earn these nominations. We wish them the best of luck as they endeavor to serve our country.”

Students applying for military academies are required to receive a Congressional nomination as part of the application process. These six students have now fulfilled that requirement and their names will be submitted to the respective academies. Each service academy admission board will determine final appointments. Those appointed receive a scholarship and military appointment, and must serve in the military for at least five years upon graduation. Information on the students Hoeven nominated for academy appointments follows:

Ayden Frohlich, Bismarck - U.S. Naval Academy

Ayden is from Bismarck and graduated from Legacy High School in 2023. Currently, he is attending Northwestern Preparatory School. The son of Billie Jo Lorius, Ayden was involved in golf, swimming and served on North Dakota Superintendent’s Student Cabinet. He graduated with a 3.5 GPA.

Ethan Kawecki, Bismarck - U.S. Naval Academy

Ethan graduated from Annapolis High School 2022. He currently lives in Bismarck and attends Bismarck State College. The son of Marshal and Beth Kawecki, Ethan was involved in football, track and field, student government, National Honor Society, and Skills USA Competition. While graduating with a 3.92 GPA, he volunteered as a youth football coach, Special Olympics coach, worked at a food pantry and on local housing projects, and was a Vacation Bible School teacher.

Nicholas Borowski, Fargo - U.S. Air Force Academy

Nicholas is from Fargo and is the son of Stephen and Susan Borowski. He will graduate from Davies High School this spring. While maintaining a 4.0 GPA, Nicholas is involved in cross country, track and field and AFJROTC. He has his private pilot’s license, participates in STEM, scuba diving and has studied, Spanish, Chinese, Latin, Dutch and Romanian. Nicholas has also logged more than 170 hours of community service.

Joshua Messelt, Fargo – U.S. Air Force Academy

Joshua is from Fargo and will graduate from Park Christian High School this spring. He is the son of John and Andria Messelt. Joshua is involved in basketball, cross country, golf, band, choir, student council, and National Honor Society, all while holding a 4.0 GPA. He has volunteered at his church, Churches United for the Homeless, an emergency food pantry, and went on a mission trip to Jamacia.

Thomas Lemen, Fargo – U.S. Air Force Academy

Thomas is from Fargo and will graduate this spring from Fargo South High School. Thomas is the son of Dawn and Jeff Sahr. He has maintained a 3.4 GPA while being involved in football, Color Guard and AFJROTC. Thomas has also obtained his private pilot’s license.

Saxon Weaver, Fargo - West Point

Saxon is from Fargo and graduated from Culver Military Academy in 2023. Saxon is the son of Matthew Weaver. He is currently attending Georgia Military College in preparation to attend a Service Academy. He is involved in Boy Scouts of America and has his Eagle Scout. Saxon was on the X-Count rifle team, Culver rifle team, varsity rugby team and varsity sailing team. Saxon has also volunteered for Shriner’s Hospital and participated in mission trips to Tanzania and Saudi Arabia.

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