On Sept. 14, James Monroe High School (JMHS) students Braydie Carr and Shane Arthur participated in a Zoom session with Senator Joe Manchin and over 30 other high schools to discuss the process of earning a nomination and acceptance to one of the five U.S. Service Academies: The U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
Shane Arthur served as the JMHS Ambassador and introduced the school at the session. Senator Manchin noted the prestigious nature of these institutions, which offer tuition-free education in exchange for service as an officer in the U.S. military. He noted the leading role West Virginians have played in the U.S. military and encouraged the students to contribute their talents to public service. Senator Manchin emphasized that the deadline for applying for a nomination from him to these institutions was Oct. 1, and that students should simultaneously pursue admission to them at this time.
Students or parents interested in this opportunity should contact Dr. Scott Womack, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired), U.S. Army, West Point Class of 1986, at swomack@k12.wv.us or via Facebook Messenger.