Lipinski Nominates 3 Western Springs Students For Service Academy Admission

U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-IL) announced Monday that he is nominating 14 high school and college students from his 3rd Congressional District for admission to the U.S. Service Academies for the entering classes of 2014. The nominees were recognized by Lipinski for their achievement at a ceremony on Saturday, Jan. 18, at the Johnson-Phelps VFW Post 5220 in Oak Lawn. 

“One of my proudest duties as a congressman is helping young men and women meet their goals by nominating them for admission to our prestigious service academies. My office receives hundreds of applications each year from an impressive collection of dedicated, patriotic students with a desire to serve their country,” Rep. Lipinski said. “Just to be nominated to one of our nation’s service academies is a major accomplishment and a tremendous honor. I am excited to see what the future holds for this latest group of nominees. I am sure each of them will make an impact no matter what path they take in life.” 

The nominees are: 

• U.S. Air Force Academy: David Garza, of Chicago’s Bridgeport community, Texas Military Institute; Paolo Jimenez,  of Bridgeview, Amos Alonzo Stagg High School; Peter Strawbridge, of Western Springs, Lyons Township High School; Michael Triner, of Oak Lawn, St. Laurence High School, currently enrolled at Iowa State University. 

• U.S. Military Academy: Daniel Calero, of Lemont, Marist High School; Andrew Jacobs, of La Grange, Mt. Carmel High School; Jordan Tyler, of Chicago Ridge, Morgan Park Academy.

• U.S. Naval Academy: Nicholas Bilotta, of Chicago’s Mt. Greenwood community, St. Rita High School; Rudolph Garza, of Chicago’s Garfield Ridge community, St. Rita High School; Michael Kelly, of Western Springs, Fenwick High School; Jack McHugh, of Chicago’s Mt. Greenwood community, Marist High School; Zachary Pakula, of Chicago’s Mt. Greenwood community, Brother Rice High School; Elaine Smith, of Western Springs, Lyons Township High School; Alex Villafuerte, of Oak Lawn, Richards High School.