NE Florida News

WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) has announced his nominations for the 2024 U.S. Service Academies for Florida's Fourth Congressional District. The announcement was made during a special ceremony at Naval Air Station Cecil Field in Jacksonville.

Congressman Bean expressed his pride in being able to provide nominations for students who wish to serve the nation in uniform by attending one of the five U.S. Service Academies. He stated, "One of the top honors I have in Congress is to provide nominations for the brightest and boldest students wishing to serve our nation in uniform by attending one of the five U.S. Service Academies."

A total of 16 students from the Fourth Congressional District were nominated by Congressman Bean. These students were selected based on their exceptional qualities and dedication to serving the country. The Congressman wished all the candidates the best of luck as they move forward with the application process.

The following students were nominated by Congressman Bean for the U.S. Air Force Academy:

- Sofia Conde from St. Johns Country Day School

- Brandon Gillen from Yulee High School

- Rylan Hale, who is homeschooled

- Ethan Johnson from Fernandina Beach High School

- Zachary Joiner from Stanton College Preparatory

- Kaygen Williamson from Clay High School

For the U.S. Naval Academy, Congressman Bean nominated the following students:

- Dylan Cable from First Coast High School

- Sofia Conde from St. Johns Country Day School

- Cade Dailey from Fleming Island High School

- Jamison Everett from Coronado High School

- Brandon Gillen from Yulee High School

- Maggie Hanlon from James Madison High School

- Zachary Joiner from Stanton College Preparatory

- Kaygen Williamson from Clay High School

The nominations for the U.S. Military Academy (West Point) were as follows:

- Brooks Baker from The Bolles School

- Tristen Deditch from Stanton College Preparatory

- Brian Grieve from Wiesban High School

- Chad Hutchens from Baldwin Middle Senior High School

- Ethan Johnson from Fernandina Beach High School

Lastly, for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Congressman Bean nominated the following students:

- Cade Dailey from Fleming Island High School

- Tristen Deditch from Stanton College Preparatory

- Liam Dusanic from Lighthouse Christian Academy

- William Kavanaugh from Episcopal School of Jacksonville

- Kaygen Williamson from Clay High School

These students have demonstrated their commitment and potential to excel in their future military careers. Congressman Bean's nominations serve as a testament to the talent and dedication present in Florida's Fourth Congressional District.