WASHINGTON, D.C.— Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD), Senator John Thune (R-SD) and Representative Kristi Noem (R-SD) announced today that South Dakota young people interested in being nominated to one of the four U.S. Service Academies for the Class of 2017 should apply by October 31, 2012.

South Dakota residents between the ages of 17 and 23 may apply to any of the four service academies if they meet eligibility requirements in leadership, physical aptitude, scholarship and character. The four service academies are the Military Academy at West Point, New York; the Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland; the Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado; and the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York.

“Nominating students each year for admission to our Service Academies is one of my favorite responsibilities as a U.S. Senator. I am continually impressed by the caliber of South Dakota students who apply,” said Johnson. “U.S. Service Academies are rigorous, but open a world of opportunity for their students.”

“It is an honor each year to nominate South Dakota students to our nation’s Service Academies,” said Thune. “These bright young men and women represent our state and country with pride and distinction.”

“The U.S. Service Academies help build up the next generation of American leaders, and it is a privilege to nominate South Dakotans to one of the four Academies,” said Rep. Noem. “South Dakota’s young people continue to impress and inspire me, and I look forward to the nomination process.”

Johnson, Thune, and Noem will each compile separate lists and make nominations to the academies of the most qualified candidates by January 31, 2013. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications to all three Congressional offices in order to better their chances of receiving a nomination. The academies will make the final decision on acceptance and announce appointments next spring.

Interested applicants should contact: Senator Johnson's office at (605) 332-8896; Senator Thune's office at (605) 334-9596; Congresswoman Noem’s office at (605) 275-2868.

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