Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va.) has nominated 17 West Virginia students to United States service academies. Nomination by a Member of Congress is the first step in the process toward appointment to a military academy.

 

“These young men and women will be the next generation of leaders in West Virginia,” said McKinley. “They have earned their nomination through hard work, achievement and good character, demonstrated in the classroom, the athletic field and their community.”

 

“Nominating deserving young people for the opportunity of a lifetime is one of the best parts of my job representing the First District,” said McKinley. “I am proud to endorse these students in the first step towards appointment at America’s service academies.”

 

The following students were nominated by Rep. McKinley based on their academic performance, extracurricular activity, service to their communities, and personal recommendations:

 

Lilah Kimble (Bridgeport) attends Bridgeport High School where she is a member of the National Honor Society. She serves as Vice President of the student body and was recognized as “Outstanding Citizen” at Rhododendron Girls State. She runs cross country and is an active volunteer with her church. Nominated to U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy

 

Victoria Childs (Albright) attends University High School. She is an all-state musician in both flute and piccolo and sings in the choir. She also participates in Junior ROTC. Nominated to U.S. Naval Academy

 

Nicholas DeFazio (Wheeling) attends Wheeling Park High School and ranks in the top 10% of his class. He is a member of the varsity football and swimming teams and is active in the Future Business Leaders of America. Nominated to U.S. Naval Academy

 

Lian Dunlevy (Westover) attends Morgantown High School where he ranks in the top 1% of his class. He is enrolled in a college-level engineering course at WVU and interned full time at NASA IV&V in Fairmont. He is also an award-winning competitive shooter. Nominated to U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy

 

Owen Gainer (Wheeling) attends the Air Force Academy Prep School and graduated from Wheeling Central Catholic last spring. He served as a class officer all four years at Central, attended Boy’s State and is active in the community. He was an all-conference basketball player at Central. Nominated to U.S. Air Force Academy

 

Elle Greco (Weirton) attends The Linsly School in Wheeling. She has served as a student body officer and participated in Rhododendron Girls State. She is a four-year member of the cheerleading squad. Nominated to U.S. Air Force Academy

 

Hank Herald (Morgantown) attends Morgantown High School where he is a member of the National Honor Society. He is a four-year member of the basketball team and has also played lacrosse and football. Nominated to U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Naval Academy

 

Lilah Kimble (Bridgeport) attends Bridgeport High School where she is a member of the National Honor Society. She serves as Vice President of the student body and was recognized as “Outstanding Citizen” at Rhododendron Girls State. She runs cross country and is an active volunteer with her church. Nominated to U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy

 

Tyler Komorowski (Weirton) attends Weir High where he is in the top 5% of his class. He is President of the National Honor Society and serves as an officer in student government. He was named first-team all-state in both football and baseball. Nominated to U.S. Military Academy

 

David Middleton (Parkersburg) attends Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia. He holds leadership positions in his class and is completing his Eagle Scout. He served as captain of the wrestling and lacrosse teams. Nominated to U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Military Academy

 

Mitchell Miller (Parkersburg) attends Wood County Christian School where he serves as President of the National Christian Honor Society. He is a member of the varsity basketball team and is also an award-winning guitarist. Nominated to U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy

 

Braeden Pauley (Morgantown) attends University High School and is a member of the National Honor Society. He served as captain of the varsity wrestling squad and coaches youth wrestlers. Nominated to U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Military Academy

 

Stephen Snyder (Triadelphia) attends The Linsly School in Wheeling. He was selected for leadership positions as House Leader and School Prefect. He serves as captain of the varsity football team. Nominated to U.S. Military Academy

 

Emily Stone (Grafton) attends Grafton High School where she ranks in the top 10% of her class. She is Co-President of the Future Business Leaders of America club, plays in the marching band, and is a member of the National Honor Society. Nominated to U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy

 

Alexis Summers (Vienna) attends Parkersburg High School where she ranks in the top 5% of her class. She is a four-year member of the varsity softball team, serves as Vice President of her class, and is a member of the National Honor Society. Nominated to U.S. Naval Academy

 

Trey Toland (Mannington) is a freshman at Fairmont State and graduated from North Marion High School last spring. He served in a number of leadership roles in student government and participated in a summer STEM program at the Naval Academy. He was also a four-year letterman on the North Marion football and tennis teams. Nominated to U.S. Naval Academy

 

Margaret Warner (Morgantown) attends University High School where she ranks in the top 1% of her class. She serves as student body President and attended Rhododendron Girls State. She is a state qualifier in gymnastics and was named team captain. Nominated to U.S. Air Force Academy

 

Katherene Welsh (Marshall County) attends Munich International School in Germany. She received the Latin Gold Medal for her score on the National Language Exam. She runs track and cross country and plays field hockey. Nominated to U.S. Naval Academy

 

Editor's Note: The press release did not contain photos of the individual students.