Press ReleaseCeremonial2026-01-07

Huizenga Nominates 14 Students from Allegan, Gobles, Holland, Hudsonville, Kalamazoo, Mattawan, Portage, St. Joe, and Wayland to U.S. Service Academies

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This press release from Representative Bill Huizenga (R-MI) was published on 2026-01-07 and titled "Huizenga Nominates 14 Students from Allegan, Gobles, Holland, Hudsonville, Kalamazoo, Mattawan, Portage, St. Joe, and Wa". It focuses on defense and touches on education, housing.

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Huizenga Nominates 14 Students from Allegan, Gobles, Holland, Hudsonville, Kalamazoo, Mattawan, Portage, St. Joe, and Wayland to U.S. Service Academies

Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) announced the nomination of 14 students to U.S. Service Academies for the class of 2030. These students will be considered for appointment to one or more of our nation’s Service Academies, which include: the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY, the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY. “It is an honor to put forward these outstanding students from Southwest Michigan for consideration to attend one of our nation’s prestigious Service Academies,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga . “Their pursuit of an appointment demonstrates discipline, purpose, and a deep sense of responsibility to something greater than themselves. I am confident these individuals possess the character and leadership necessary to serve with distinction and to proudly represent Southwest Michigan and the United States of America. Their commitment to excellence and their willingness to serve our nation is something we should all recognize and celebrate.” Nominations are based on an interview with an academy advisory board that considers academic success, extracurricular accomplishments, and demonstrated leadership. Further information on requirements for nomination and the application process is available on Congressman Huizenga’s website . A nomination does not guarantee admission to a Service Academy. Before an academy may offer an appointment, it must receive a nomination from an authorized nominating source, such as a Member of Congress. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a nomination. Congressman Huizenga has nominated the following students for the Class of 2030. United States Air Force Academy Ashton Brown – Holland Christian High School Ava Ulberg – Mattawan High School, Kalamazoo Valley Community College Brooks Massing – Black River Public Schools, Western Michigan University Charlotte Markoski – Wayland Union High School Deacon Sidebotham – Wayland Union High School Henry Freestone – Loy Norrix High School Landon Thomas – Arizona State University (remote), St. Joseph, MI United States Naval Academy Ava Ulberg – Mattawan High School, Kalamazoo Valley Community College Gavin McCain – Mattawan High School Henry Freestone - Loy Norrix High School United States Military Academy at West Point Aiden Beam – Gobles High School Ashton Brown - Holland Christian High School Deacon Sidebotham - Wayland Union High School Eliza DeLaet – Allegan High School Henry Freestone - Loy Norrix High School Jonah Weber – Portage Northern High School Levi Wilcox – Hudsonville High School Rowan Hagenbuch – Comstock High School, Western Michigan University United States Merchant Marine Academy Parker Josephs – De La Salle Collegiate High School

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Huizenga Nominates 14 Students from Allegan, Gobles, Holland, Hudsonville, Kalamazoo, Mattawan, Portage, St. Joe, and Wayland to U.S. Service Academies Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) announced the nomination of 14 students to U.S. Service Academies for the class of 2030. These students will be considered for appointment to one or more of our nation’s Service Academies, which include: the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY, the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY. “It is an honor to put forward these outstanding students from Southwest Michigan for consideration to attend one of our nation’s prestigious Service Academies,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga . “Their pursuit of an appointment demonstrates discipline, purpose, and a deep sense of responsibility to something greater than themselves. I am confident these individuals possess the character and leadership necessary to serve with distinction and to proudly represent Southwest Michigan and the United States of America. Their commitment to excellence and their willingness to serve our nation is something we should all recognize and celebrate.” Nominations are based on an interview with an academy advisory board that considers academic success, extracurricular accomplishments, and demonstrated leadership. Further information on requirements for nomination and the application process is available on Congressman Huizenga’s website . A nomination does not guarantee admission to a Service Academy. Before an academy may offer an appointment, it must receive a nomination from an authorized nominating source, such as a Member of Congress. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a nomination. Congressman Huizenga has nominated the following students for the Class of 2030. United States Air Force Academy Ashton Brown – Holland Christian High School Ava Ulberg – Mattawan High School, Kalamazoo Valley Community College Brooks Massing – Black River Public Schools, Western Michigan University Charlotte Markoski – Wayland Union High School Deacon Sidebotham – Wayland Union High School Henry Freestone – Loy Norrix High School Landon Thomas – Arizona State University (remote), St. Joseph, MI United States Naval Academy Ava Ulberg – Mattawan High School, Kalamazoo Valley Community College Gavin McCain – Mattawan High School Henry Freestone - Loy Norrix High School United States Military Academy at West Point Aiden Beam – Gobles High School Ashton Brown - Holland Christian High School Deacon Sidebotham - Wayland Union High School Eliza DeLaet – Allegan High School Henry Freestone - Loy Norrix High School Jonah Weber – Portage Northern High School Levi Wilcox – Hudsonville High School Rowan Hagenbuch – Comstock High School, Western Michigan University United States Merchant Marine Academy Parker Josephs – De La Salle Collegiate High School