“As a Member of Congress, there’s no greater privilege than nominating exceptional young leaders from Minnesota’s Sixth District to our nation’s prestigious military academies. This year’s nominees exemplify the very best of our community, and we are proud to support them as they embark on their careers of service to our nation,” Congressman Emmer said.

Sofia Iverson of St. Michael accepted an appointment to the United States Naval Academy after graduating from St. Michael – Albertville High School. Sofia was inspired to serve by her older sister who is a Naval Academy Midshipman in the class of 2026.

Elias Phiri of Otsego accepted an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy after graduating from Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Virginia. He has a passion for aviation and aerospace, which led him to the Air Force Academy. 

Jack Geislinger of Monticello accepted an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point after graduating from Monticello High School. He ran track and field in high school while maintaining a 4.0-grade point average and plans to study finance while leading with character and humility.

Rocko Gorowsky of Andover accepted an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy after graduating from Andover High School. Rocko was inspired to serve by his father, Steven, who graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1995, and his cousin who graduated in 2008. 

Maurnice Ahavit of Big Lake accepted an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy after graduating from Kaiserslautern High School, Department of Defense (Dependent Schools) in Germany. As a child of an active-duty servicemember and member of the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, Maurnice has a passion for aviation and service.

Every year, Emmer’s office hosts a military academy nomination information night for interested Sixth District students. The privilege of attending one of our nation’s military academies comes with the commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. Members of Congress may nominate individuals for each vacant academy slot allotted to their district. Emmer’s office accepts applications for nomination to the United States Naval Academy, the United States Military Academy at West Point, the United States Air Force Academy, and the United States Merchant Marine Academy.

More information on United States Service Academy nominations is available here.

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