Davids Announces 13 Local Students Receive U.S. Service Academy Appointments

Image June 2, 2025 Press Release OVERLAND PARK, KS – Today, Representative Sharice Davids announced that 13 students from the Kansas Third District have successfully received their appointments to a U.S. Service Academy. In a send-off event in Overland Park this week, Davids presented students with a certificate acknowledging their incredible achievement. “As the daughter of an Army veteran, I know the strength and sacrifice it takes to serve,” said Davids . “It’s an incredible honor to nominate these hardworking young Kansans to our nation’s Service Academies. Their dedication and drive represent the best of our community, and I have no doubt they’ll make us proud as the next generation of military leaders.” Davids nominated 29 students for an appointment based on the recommendations of her Academy Panelist Board. The panelists conducted personal interviews with each applicant, in addition to reviewing written applications, letters of recommendation, and G.P.A. This year’s nonpartisan board included: Mike Souder, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired) Steve Wallace, Lieutenant Colonel, Infantry, U.S. Army (Retired) After receiving a nomination from Davids, these 13 applicants successfully met the individual admission requirements for their respective academies, which made the final decision on an appointment of admission. They include: United States Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, CO Laura Hickman - Mill Valley High School Hank Newton - Southern Coffey County High School Caleb Ochs - Saint James Academy United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School at Colorado Springs, CO James Dykes - De Soto High School Zurich Balda - Blue Valley North High School Connor Deady - Rockhurst High School Max Doerfler - Saint Thomas Aquinas High School Josh Little - Olathe East High School Sophia Marien-Brovont - St. Teresa's Academy United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY Zurich Balda - Blue Valley North High School United States Military Academy at West Point, NY Connor Deady - Rockhurst High School Max Doerfler - Saint Thomas Aquinas High School Josh Little - Olathe East High School Sophia Marien-Brovont - St. Teresa's Academy United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD Addison Holle - Gardner-Edgerton High School Calum Lynn - Olathe West High School Presley Yows - Louisburg High School United States Naval Academy Preparatory School at Newport, RI Kaden Allen - Saint Thomas Aquinas High School Issues : Making Government Work for Kansans