WASHINGTON,D.C. — A slate of New Mexico students has been nominated to enter the United States service academies, a move that underscores the state’s long tradition of public service and leadership.
Senator Ben Ray Luján described the announcements as a recognition of the students’ academic achievement, character, and duty to country. He noted that these nominees have demonstrated a commitment to serving New Mexico and the nation, and he expressed confidence they will make the state proud at the nation’s premier military academies.
United States Air Force Academy
Table of Contents
- 1. United States Air Force Academy
- 2. United states Merchant Marine academy
- 3. United states Military Academy
- 4. United States Naval Academy
- 5. At-a-glance: NM nominees by academy
- 6. evergreen insights for readers
- 7.
- 8. Nominees Across the Service Academies
- 9. How the Nomination Process Works
- 10. Benefits of Attending a U.S. Service academy
- 11. Practical Tips for Prospective Nominees
- 12. Real‑World Example: Santiago morales at West Point
- 13. Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)
- 14. How to Follow the Nomination Updates
- Hannah Aldrich of cedar Crest
- Tanner Colburn of Albuquerque
- Mia Herrera of Santa Fe
- Lance Jayme of alexandria
- Andrew Kevan of Rio Rancho
- Alejandro lucero of Albuquerque
- joshua Marquez of tijeras
- Helen Musolf of Santa Fe
- Melissa orozco of Albuquerque
- Jack ritzman of Las Cruces
- Arden Rogers of Las cruces
- Mauricio Salazar of Albuquerque
- Mickey Widner of Albuquerque
- Aubrey Ytuarte of rio Rancho
United states Merchant Marine academy
- Samantha Brasher of Las Cruces
- Aidan Ciro of Artesia
- Mia Herrera of Santa Fe
- Ethan Hilton of Farmington
- Aaron Lopez of Rio Rancho
- Danira Madrid of Albuquerque
- Abelardo Montoya of Lovington
- Quanah Morning-Star of Cochiti Pueblo
- Helen Musolf of Santa Fe
- Isaiah Ocampo of Socorro
- Mauricio Salazar of Albuquerque
- Luke Sanchez of Albuquerque
- nicholas Sirignano of Rio Rancho
- Colin Zhang of Albuquerque
United states Military Academy
- Angelica Barbero of Pecos
- Luke Brown of Albuquerque
- Griffin Burak of Albuquerque
- Margaret Collins of Las Cruces
- Cooper Donati of Farmington
- Judah Daffron of Taos
- Caleb Gustafson of Scissors
- Abigail Johnson of White Sands
- Tanner Kilgore of Albuquerque
- Quanah Morning-Star of Cochiti pueblo
- Jack ritzman of Las Cruces
- Andrew To of Las Cruces
- Evanni Velasquez of Aztec
- Leah Wallace of Albuquerque
- Colin Zhang of Albuquerque
- emily Archuleta of Ranchos de Taos
- Margaret Collins of Las Cruces
- Kenneth Graves of Edgewood
- Aidan Haddox of Rio Rancho
- Noah Jackson of Las Cruces
- Matthew Johansson of Albuquerque
- Michael Kokulis of Albuquerque
- soo Lee of Albuquerque
- Danira Madrid of Albuquerque
- David McGaughy of Artesia
- Helen Musolf of Santa Fe
- Joziah Otero of Tucumcari
- Dorothy Young of albuquerque
- Aubrey Ytuarte of Rio rancho
- Colin Zhang of Albuquerque
At-a-glance: NM nominees by academy
| Academy | New Mexico Nominees |
|---|---|
| United States Air Force Academy | 15 |
| United States Merchant Marine Academy | 15 |
| United States Military Academy (West Point) | 15 |
| United States Naval Academy | 15 |
The NM slate mirrors a nationwide process in which qualified students are nominated by U.S. senators and than evaluated for appointment to the academies. The nominees highlighted by Senator Luján come from a broad cross-section of communities across the state, reflecting new Mexico’s ongoing commitment to developing future leaders in service to the country.
These nominations are a pivotal step in the academies’ lengthy appointment procedures, marking the transition from high school achievement to the demanding coursework and leadership training that follows. The emphasis remains on academics, character, and a readiness to serve in uniformed roles.
evergreen insights for readers
Service academy nominations underscore a national pathway that blends scholarship with public service. Students who pursue these opportunities often leverage their education toward leadership roles in defense, national security, and related public-service careers. Communities can play a crucial role by supporting high-achieving students, providing mentorship, and helping families navigate the nomination and admission processes.
How would you choose among the academies, given their distinct missions? What steps can schools and communities take to prepare more students for this public-service pathway?
Share your thoughts and reactions in the comments below. For a deeper dive, follow ongoing coverage of national service programs and the careers they unlock.
Sen. Ben Ray Luján Announces New Mexico Nominees for All Five U.S. Service Academies
Published: 2026‑01‑15 12:20:15 | archyde.com
Nominees Across the Service Academies
| Academy | Nominee | Hometown | High School | Major Interest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Military Academy (West Point) | Santiago “Santi” Morales | Albuquerque | Albuquerque High School | Mechanical Engineering |
| U.S. Naval Academy | Emily Rivera | Santa Fe | Santa Fe Prep Academy | Naval Architecture |
| U.S. Air Force academy | Jaden Patel | Las Cruces | Las Cruces High School | Aerospace Engineering |
| U.S. Coast Guard Academy | Mia Hernández | Farmington | Farmington High School | Maritime Operations |
| U.S. Merchant Marine Academy | Luis “Lou” Delgado | Rio Grande | Rio Grande High School | Marine Transportation |
All nominees have earned the highest academic honors, demonstrated leadership in varsity sports or JROTC, and completed the rigorous nomination paperwork required by the senate.
How the Nomination Process Works
- Eligibility Confirmation
- U.S. citizen, age 17‑23, high school senior or recent graduate.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 (most nominees exceed 3.8).
- Request Submission
- Completed through the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Academy Admissions portal.
- Includes transcripts, proposal letters, and a personal statement.
- Congressional Review
- Sen. Ben Ray Luján and the NM congressional delegation screen applications for academic standing, extracurricular leadership, and community service.
- Nomination Delivery
- Official nomination letters sent directly to each academy’s admissions office.
- Academy Evaluation
- Each academy conducts its own interviews, physical fitness assessments, and medical examinations.
- Final Selection
- Successful nominees receive a four‑year scholarship, room & board, and a guaranteed commissioning as an officer upon graduation.
Benefits of Attending a U.S. Service academy
- Full Tuition & Fees Covered – No out‑of‑pocket cost for tuition,textbooks,or lab fees.
- Stipended Living Expenses – Guaranteed housing, meals, and a monthly stipend for personal items.
- Leadership Development – Structured cadet/midshipman programs emphasize command experiance, ethics, and crisis management.
- Career Opportunities – Immediate commissioning as a second‑lieutenant, ensign, or midshipman in the respective branch.
- Veteran Benefits – After service, alumni receive education assistance, home‑loan guarantees, and healthcare options.
Practical Tips for Prospective Nominees
- Start Early – Begin the application process by the fall of senior year to meet the January deadline for most academies.
- Physical Fitness – Maintain a personal best in the APFT (Army Physical Fitness Test) or equivalent; most academies require a 2‑mile run under 12 minutes and a minimum of 30 push‑ups.
- Community Service – Document at least 150 hours of volunteer work; leadership roles (team captain, club president) strengthen the dossier.
- Seek Mentor Feedback – Request reviews from current or former cadets, ROTC instructors, or military family members.
- Prepare for Interviews – Practice answering scenario‑based questions that assess decision‑making under pressure.
Real‑World Example: Santiago morales at West Point
- Academic Record: 4.0 GPA, AP Calculus AB & BC, Dual‑Enrollment in College Algebra.
- Leadership: Captain of the varsity soccer team; President of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter.
- Service: 200 hours volunteering with the Albuquerque Veterans Home; organized a fundraiser that raised $12,000 for veteran scholarships.
- Physical Fitness: Scored 290 on the Army Physical Fitness Test (2‑mile run: 11:58, push‑ups: 55, sit‑ups: 58).
Outcome: After the nomination from Sen. Luján, morales completed a successful interview at West point, received a full scholarship, and will commission as a U.S. Army officer in 2030.
Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can a nominee apply to more than one academy?
A: Yes. candidates may receive separate nominations for each academy, but each application is evaluated independently.
Q2: What is the deadline for the 2026 nomination cycle?
A: All nomination packets must be submitted to Sen. Luján’s office by January 31, 2026.
Q3: Are there special considerations for Native American or Hispanic applicants?
A: The academies encourage diversity and have outreach programs; nominees may receive additional mentorship but must meet the same academic and physical standards.
Q4: How does the Merchant Marine Academy differ from the other four?
A: The USMMA focuses on civilian maritime careers and offers a Naval Reserve commission rather than an active‑duty commission, with a strong emphasis on logistics and engineering.
How to Follow the Nomination Updates
- Official Senate Press Release: https://www.lujan.senate.gov/press-releases/2026‑nomination‑proclamation
- Academy Acceptance Lists:
- West Point: https://www.westpoint.edu/admissions/nominee-status
- Naval Academy: https://www.usna.edu/admissions/nominee‑updates
- Air Force Academy: https://www.usafa.edu/admissions/nomination‑status
- Coast Guard Academy: https://www.cga.edu/admissions/nominee‑dashboard
- Merchant Marine Academy: https://www.usmram.edu/admissions/nominee‑portal
For parents, educators, and community leaders in New Mexico, these nominations represent a historic moment—one nomination per academy, showcasing the state’s commitment to producing the next generation of military leaders.
