Congressman Smith honors students attending prestigious service academies to become future military leaders

Congressman Smith honors students attending prestigious service academies to become future military leaders f t # Toms River,
Jun 27, 2025 | comments From left: Rep. Chris Smith, Pastor Shawn Hyland, Olivia Palutis of Ocean Township (Monmouth County), Aidan Gravelli of Middletown, Ryan Olmeda of Middletown, Jake Dembowski of Middletown, Morgan Zylinski of Lavallette, and Major General (ret.) Tom Garrett. Not pictured: Leila Castell of Shrewsbury Borough, Katrina Conti of Lacey, and Christina Liggio of Colts Neck. Over the course of the next several days, eight students from the Fourth Congressional District who were nominated by Rep. Chris Smith and then selected by one of our Nation’s prestigious service academies will join the ranks of the Class of 2029 for four years of rigorous academic and physical training in preparation of eventually serving as an officer in the US armed forces. “I consider it one of my greatest honors as a Member of Congress to nominate the most capable and extraordinary students from my District to attend the service academies,” said Rep. Smith who recently hosted a ceremony at his office in Toms River for all eight members of this year’s cohort. “Each academy uniquely prepares its graduates to lead others in uniform in the defense of our nation—and I am consistently impressed with the qualities and dedication that these young women and men bring to the process.” At the ceremony, Smith presented each student with an American flag flown over the United States Capitol in their honor, and he met with dozens of family members and well-wishers. “It is a high honor and privilege to join your parents, family and friends in congratulating each of you on a truly remarkable achievement—you have all been chosen through a rigorous selection process to attend one of the prestigious United States Service Academies,” Rep. Smith said to the future cadets and midshipmen. “Thanks to each of you for your willingness and commitment to serve. As you become America’s leaders of the most important fighting force on earth, know that our hopes and prayers are with you. I, and all of us, deeply respect your hard work that brought you to this day.” Attending the United States Military Academy at West Point are: Leila Castell of Shrewsbury Borough, a graduate of Red Bank Regional High School; Jake Dembowski of Middletown, who graduated from Middletown South High School; and Morgan Zylinski of Lavallette, who graduated from the Ocean County Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science (MATES). Attending the United States Naval Academy are: Aidan Gravelli of Middletown, who attended the Monmouth County Marine Academy of Science and Technology (MAST); Christina Liggio of Colts Neck, a Red Bank Catholic graduate; Nathan Olmeda of Middletown, who graduated from MAST; and Olivia Palutis of Ocean Township (Momouth County), who also graduated from MAST. Attending the United States Air Force Academy is: Katrina Conti of Lacey Township who recently graduated from Lacey Township High School. Among the distinguished guests at the ceremony was keynote speaker Colonel Russell Gheesling, Commander of the 87th Civil Engineer Group at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, who shared inspirational lessons in leadership gathered from his more than 20 years in uniformed service. In order to attend the prestigious military, naval, air force or merchant marine academy, in addition to being accepted based on their academic, medical, physical and high school records, students must receive a nomination from their Member of Congress, U.S. Senator, the President or Vice President, among other nominating sources.  The United States Coast Guard Academy does not require a nomination. Each year, Smith hosts an Academy information night in the spring. Students must apply for consideration for a nomination. For more information, please visit Congressman Smith’s Academy Information Page. f t #