Lemoore youth earns appointment to U.S. Naval Academy

Local Congressman David Valadao spearheaded the selection of the three Valley students.The Lemoore youth, Roman Benitez, received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy.

Benitez is the son of Roman and Maria Benitez and is an Eagle Scout as well as solid student at Lemoore High School.A non-partisan Academy Advisory Board made up of Central Valley veterans assisted with the nomination process. Factors such as academic achievement, extra-curricular activities, leadership skills, physical ability, and character of applicants were taken into consideration by the advisory board during the nomination process.

Congressman Valadao’s nomination did not guarantee admission to a service academy as the academies’ respective admissions boards determine who is offered appointment, and ultimately admitted. Some individuals may have been accepted to multiple academies; if they received appointment offers from more than one academy, the student will decide which to attend.

"The privilege of nominating these students is an aspect of my job that I thoroughly enjoy," said Congressman Valadao. "Our Central Valley should be proud that these students, who exemplify true leadership, determination, and commitment, will represent our community at America's military academies."

Other appointments in the Valley included Dylan Chang from Selma High School, who got an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, and Hailey Kiser from Kingsburg who earned spots in the Air Force Academy and Naval Academy.