Congressman JOE Morelle Honors Local Students Appointed to U.S. Service Academies

Image June 13, 2026 Press Release Morelle recognizes outstanding young leaders from across the Rochester region as they prepare to serve our nation (Rochester, N.Y.)—Today, Congressman Joe Morelle hosted a Service Academy Send-Off Ceremony honoring students from New York's 25th Congressional District who have earned appointments to United States Service Academies. "Every year, only a select group of young people earn appointments to our nation's Service Academies, and doing so requires an extraordinary commitment to academic excellence, leadership, character, and service," said Congressman Joe Morelle . "The students we honor today have chosen a path that demands discipline, resilience, and a willingness to serve something greater than themselves. As they prepare to begin this next chapter, they carry with them the values that make our community proud. I congratulate each of them on this remarkable achievement and look forward to seeing all they accomplish in the years ahead." Each year, Congressman Morelle and his office play an active role in the Service Academy nomination process for students in New York’s 25th Congressional District. Applicants are evaluated through a competitive “whole person” review process that considers academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, leadership, physical aptitude, character, and motivation. Students who receive a nomination are then considered by the academy for final appointment. To learn more about this process, visit Congressman Morelle’s website here . Congressman Morelle recognized each student with a Statement to the Congressional Record honoring their achievements and presented them with a congressional challenge coin in recognition of their commitment to leadership and service. Today's honorees were: Paul Brooker IV, United States Military Academy at West Point Ronan Boyle, United States Military Academy at West Point Augustine Galambos, United States Naval Academy at Annapolis Ryan Galle, United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point Benjamin Hinds, United States Coast Guard Academy in New London James “JR” Kester, United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs Michael Kusch, United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point Ariana Toner, United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. ###