Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va.) has nominated 14 West Virginia students to United States service academies including the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Congressional nomination is the first step in a process toward appointment to a military academy.

 

“These fourteen young men and women represent the best our state has to offer,” said Rep. McKinley. “Because of their hard work and commitment, they have earned this distinction.  They show great promise not only in the classroom but on the athletic field, and in their community. West Virginia continues to produce the next generation of leaders.”

 

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

 

Massimo Menguito (Bridgeport) attends Bridgeport High School. He has played soccer and has been a member of the swimming team for four years. He was Co-Captain of the Mountain State Soccer Team. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club, Chess Club, French Honorary Society, Student Council, has served as Treasurer for the student government and is an accomplished musician.  Nominated to U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

 

Derek Dearth (Wheeling) attendsCentral Catholic High School. Derek served as Assistant Captain for the varsity hockey team when they were the 2016-2017 WV state champions, and serves as the Captain for the varsity lacrosse team. He was named 2017 WVSLA All Star. Derek is a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta National Honors Society, Rho Kappa National Honors Society, the United Way Junior Board, and has served as a Class Officer for the Student Council. Nominated to U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

 

Aaron Flowers(Morgantown) currently attends West Virginia University and is a graduate of University High School.  Aaron played football and lacrosse for University High School and is nationally recognized for his marksmanship as part of the Junior Olympics Team and WV Junior Marksman Program. He is a member of the WVU Rifle Club and ROTC Promise Scholar and is an Eagle Scout and member of the Order of the Arrow.  Aaron has served as part of the ROTC Color Guard Team, a member of the WVU ROTC Program and ROTC Color Guard.  Nominated to U.S. Military Academy at West Point and U.S. Naval Academy. 

 

Michael Hall (Wheeling) attends Wheeling Central Catholic High School.  He has received the Geography Award, the Latin Conference Team Award, the World History Award and the French Award. He has played basketball, baseball and football for his school. He is a member of the Junior Rangers, Catholic Charities, Latin Club, Key Club, Ski Club and is working towards his pilot’s license. Nominated to U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy.

 

Cameron Kellar(Morgantown) attends Trinity Christian School.  Cameron has played varsity basketball for four years. He is a member of the Drama Club, the Fellowship of Christian athletes and is a leader in his church’s youth group. Nominated to U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

 

Rebecca Kocsis (Enterprise) attends North Marion where she is ranked 1st in her class. She is Captain of the Soccer Team, Captain of the Swim Team, and has run track for four years. She won the Rhododendron Girls State Outstanding Citizenship Award, the Rotary Youth Leadership Award, and the Golden Horseshoe Award. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club, Chess Club, and serves as Senior Class Vice President. Rebecca attended the WV State Trooper Academy and a Mu Alpha Theta Math Honorary.   Nominated to U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy.

 

Josephine Laing (Wheeling) attends Wheeling Park High School. She served as Jr. Varsity Captain for the soccer team for two years. She is a member of the National Honor Society, the Technology Student Association, the Debate Team Public Forum Division Leader and contender for the National Debate Tournament, member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Drug Free Clubs of America. Josephine is also the 1st Chair Violin for the school orchestra. Nominated to U.S. Military Academy at West Point and U.S. Naval Academy.

 

Dominic Lough (Grafton) attends Grafton High School and is ranked fifth in his class. Dominic has played on the school’s football and baseball teams all four years. He has served as a Class Officer, Officer of the School Club and on Student Council. He’s been a member of the Future Business Leaders of America for two years and was part of the 2017 Governor’s Honors Academy.  Nominated to U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Naval Academy.

 

John “Rocky” Pallotta (Morgantown) attends University High School where he is ranked 6th in his class.  John has served as Team Captain for the varsity soccer team and has played varsity lacrosse. He is a member of the National Honor Society, is an Honorary Member of Mu Alpha Theta, member of American Legion Mountaineer Boys State, 1st place winner of TEAMS, and scholarship winner from the WVU Statler School of Engineering. Nominated to U.S. Air Force Academy.

 

Keith Skaggs (Flemington) attends Grafton High School where he is ranked 1st in his class. He has served as Captain of the varsity soccer team, Captain of the wrestling team and has run cross country. He has served as Class Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Youth Leadership Association, Bearcat Brigade, WV SADD Student Leadership Team, President of the Hispanic National Honor Society, and semifinalist for the National Merit Scholarship.  Nominated to U.S. Military Academy at West Point and U.S. Air Force Academy.

 

Jack Stryker(Wheeling) attends Central Catholic High School where he is ranked 3rd in his class. He was recognized as special team Player of the Year for his school’s football team, has served as captain of the soccer team and has run on the varsity track team for three years. He has served as President for the National Honors Society, Vice President for Mu Alpha Theta, as treasurer for Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society, Treasurer for the Spanish National Honor Society and Team Captain for the Science Bowl. Jack has also served on the youth board for the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston and as Class President for two years.  Nominated to U.S. Naval Academy. 

 

Trey Toland (Mannington) attends North Marion High School where he is ranked 7th in his class. He is Captain of the Tennis Team, Regional Singles/Doubles Champion, Conference Doubles Champion, and Special Teams Captain of the football team.  Trey won the WV Young Writers Award and has been named the Times West Virginian Newspaper’s Player of the Week for football.  He is a member of the National Honor Society, the WV Young Writers, and Mu Alpha Theta. He has served as Editor for his school’s newspaper, the Husky Headlines and as Student Body President. Nominated to U.S. Military Academy at West Point and U.S. Naval Academy.

 

Isaac Waters (Vienna) attends Parkersburg High School. He has played soccer for three years and has won a gold medal with the school’s crew team. He has served a member of the Order of the Arrow, as an officer in the Senior Men’s Club, as Patrol Leader for the Boy Scouts and as Assistant Patrol Leader for the 2017 National Boy Scouts Jamboree. Isaac has won several two-mile swim awards and has won the God and Country Award. Nominated to U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

 

Sada Wright (Glenville) attends Gilmer County High School where she is ranked 10th in her class. She has run track and field for three years and has played basketball for two. Sada is the 2017 Class “A” Shot Put & Discus State Champion, 2017 AAU All American, and 1st Team ALL-LKC.  She holds the school record for the longest discus throw in Class “A” history.  She is a member of the National Honor Society, Glenville Youth Ministry, Drama Club, Belle Ministerial Association, and has served as Class President for three years. Nominated to U.S. Naval Academy.