Rep. English’s office accepting applications for military schools

staff report

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Students in Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District who are interested in attending the four U. S. military academies must have their applications submitted to the U.S. Rep. Phil English by Oct. 27.

The 3rd Congressional District includes Erie County and parts of Armstrong, Butler, Crawford, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties.

English of Erie, R-3rd, is accepting nomination applications for the Class of 2013, whose students will enter the academies in June 2009. Those interested in attending the U.S. Air Force, Merchant Marine, Military and Naval academies should request consideration, in writing, by Oct. 27, 2008.

UApplicants must be: U.S. citizens who are at least age 17 but not older than 23 by July 1, 2009.

UUnmarried, with no dependents.

English said he judges applicants on a competitive basis, examining their SAT or ACT scores, class rank, grade point average, school records, letters of recommendation an the advice of his Academy Review Board, which interviews each candidate.

Nominations to the academies can be made by English, the two senators from Pennsylvania, the president, or vice president. English recommends applicants should try for as many nominations as possible. Selection to the academy means the student will receive a four-year taxpayer-funded education as well as a commission upon graduation.

Requests must be made in writing by Oct. 27. Mail requests to English’s Erie office, 208 E. Bayfront Parkway, Suite 102, Erie, Pa. 16507.