RELEASE: Gottheimer Hosts Fifth District Service Academy Ceremony, Celebrates Accepted Students

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<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Above: Gottheimer with this year&#8217;s Fifth District students accepted into U.S. service academies.</em></p>

<p><strong>BERGENFIELD, NJ</strong>&nbsp;— Today, May 3, 2025, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) hosted a ceremony at the Bergenfield VFW Hall to celebrate the 19 Fifth District high school students he nominated and who were accepted to one of the four U.S. service academies this year: the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.</p>

<p><em>Video of the event can be found&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VousU3VJtYI"><em>here</em></a><em>.</em></p>

<p>Gottheimer selected the students through the counsel of his Service Academy Selection Committee, comprised of local leaders and veterans who have served in different branches of the armed forces. Gottheimer and the Committee evaluated applicants based on academics, leadership, character, and a demonstrated commitment to service.</p>

<p>“We are here today because of these incredible nominees who, at such a young age, already represent the very best of our communities,”&nbsp;<strong>said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5).&nbsp;</strong>“Each year, I’m blown away by everything they do — from athletics to academics to community service<strong>.&nbsp;</strong>Their nomination to one of our four prestigious military academies is a recognition of their excellence, and I’m incredibly grateful to them and all those who make the commitment to serve our country.”</p>

<p>Gottheimer was joined by NJ Senator Gordon Johnson, Bergen County Commissioner Tom Sullivan, Tenafly Mayor Mark Zinna, Glen Rock Councilwoman Maureen Rozanski, Fair Lawn Deputy Mayor Josh Reintz, and Fifth District students and their families.</p>

<p>The full list of students nominated by Gottheimer and accepted to attend one of the renowned service academies is below:</p>

<p><strong><u>U.S. Military Academy Accepted Nominations:</u></strong></p>

<p>Peter Forsdahl of Emerson</p>

<p>Zachary Kramer of Woodcliff Lake</p>

<p>Ryan Nam of Englewood Cliffs</p>

<p>Devin Ryan of New Milford</p>

<p>Sophia Lee Rose of Mahwah</p>

<p>Sungjoon Choi of Glen Rock</p>

<p>Naomi Bekkerman of Ridgewood</p>

<p>Jeremy Min of Fort Lee</p>

<p>Sofia Lee of Paramus</p>

<p>Maxim Maslov of Ridgewood</p>

<p>Martin Kim of Cresskill</p>

<p><strong><u>U.S. Naval Academy Accepted Nominations:</u></strong></p>

<p>Keith Song of Palisades Park</p>

<p>Cooper Kurtz of Alpine</p>

<p>Angelina Kim of Tenafly</p>

<p><strong><u>U.S. Air Force Academy Accepted Nominations:</u></strong></p>

<p>Eunkyul Hwang of Hillsdale</p>

<p>Jack Peck of Fair Lawn</p>

<p>Matthew Lhi of Closter</p>

<p>Jacob Volynsky of Tenafly</p>

<p><strong><u>U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Accepted Nominations:</u></strong></p>

<p>Andrew McDade of Ramsey</p>

<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Below: Gottheimer with this year&#8217;s Fifth District students accepted into U.S. service academies.</em></p>

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<p>The post <a href="https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/release-gottheimer-hosts-fifth-district-service-academy-ceremony-celebrates-accepted-students">RELEASE: Gottheimer Hosts Fifth District Service Academy Ceremony, Celebrates Accepted Students</a> appeared first on <a href="https://gottheimer.house.gov">Josh Gottheimer</a>.</p>