Skip to main content

Blumenauer Nominates High School Students to Military Academies

December 29, 2002
Washington, DC-Congressman Earl Blumenauer nominated nine outstanding Oregon students today to be considered for an appointment to U.S. military academies.

These students all attend or have attended high school in Oregon's Third Congressional District. The nominees were selected in a competitive application process based on their scholastic and extracurricular records, letters of recommendation, standardized test scores and leadership experience.

Members of Congress are permitted to nominate 10 students for each vacancy, and only five total students from each Congressional District may attend an academy at any one time. The students' applications now go to the academies for further consideration and the final selected nominees will begin classes next fall.

Congressman Blumenauer nominated the following students:

United States Military Academy, West Point:

Colin Jensen, son of Wes and Sabine Jensen. Colin is a senior at Cleveland High School, is ranked first in his class, and has maintained a 4.0 grade point average. He is President of his school's National Honor Society chapter, and is editor of Cleveland's school newspaper.

Jeffrey Kugel, son of Glenn and Christine Kugel. Jeffrey, a senior at Central Catholic High School, has been very involved in his church and several philanthropic activities throughout high school. He has participated in wrestling, football, cross country, and baseball, competing on the varsity level in both wrestling and football.

Jeffrey Freeman, son of Bruce and Kari Freeman, is a senior at Cleveland High School. Freeman is the Sports Editor of Cleveland's school newspaper, a member of the national honor society, and has participated in several athletics programs.

United States Naval Academy:

Paul Slavik, son of Steven and Julie Slavik, is a senior at Grant High School. Paul has volunteered for a youth soccer program, serving in the capacity of coach. He has played varsity baseball since his freshman year, and has maintained continued involvement in Madeleine Church.

Lyle Birkey, son of Daniel and Colleen Birkey, is a senior at Grant High School. Lyle has worked at the National Weather Service, and interned with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Washington, DC.

Nathan Rizzo, son of Steven and Joanne Rizzo, is a Grant High School graduate. Nathan was an active member of his school band, key club, student council, school newspaper, and National Honor Society. He was also a varsity athlete in lacrosse, swimming, and cross country.

Christopher Miller, son of Steven Miller and Kathleen Gray, is a senior at Sam Barlow High School. Christopher has maintained a 3.91 grade point average, and has served his school as a student body officer. Christopher has served on the City of Gresham Youth Advisory Board and has volunteered with the Parks and Recreation Department.

Air Force Academy: <> Michael Wetherbee, son of Mark and Shari Wetherbee, is a senior at La Salle High School. Michael has a 4.0 grade point average and ranks in the top one percent of his class. Michael has received All League Scholar Athlete status in football and baseball, and is a member of the National Honor Society.

Ryan Dewey, son of Ray and Elizabeth Dewey, is a senior at Portland Christian High School. Ryan has a 3.98 grade point average, and participates in football, wrestling and track. He has also been involved in the Civil Air Patrol