Bresnahan Announces 2025 U.S. Service Academy Nominations

February 13, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, DC: Today, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) announced 22 nominations from Pennsylvania’s Eighth Congressional District to the United States Service Academies for the Class of 2030. “These young men and women put service first and lead by example,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “Their commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and service reflects the values that make our district and our country strong. It is an honor to nominate them to our nation’s service academies, and I am confident they will serve with distinction.” The nominated students were selected following a highly competitive application and interview process conducted by Rep. Bresnahan’s Service Academy Selection Committee. Nominees demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership potential, physical aptitude, and dedication to public service. The following students received nominations: Royli Ayala , Scranton, PA – United States Naval Academy Aidan Benetos , Ashley, PA – United States Naval Academy Dahlia Ciullo , Archbald, PA – United States Air Force Academy Anthony Cotillo , Blakely, PA – United States Naval Academy Drake Daguio , Long Pond, PA – United States Naval Academy Jack Doughton , Throop, PA – United States Military Academy Peter Durkin , Dunmore, PA – United States Military Academy and United States Naval Academy Philip Fitzpatrick , Matamoras, PA – United States Military Academy Taylor Gashi , Harding, PA – United States Military Academy Benjamin Jochen , Stroudsburg, PA – United States Military Academy Taran Lawrence , Bear Creek, PA – United States Military Academy Colin McGarvey , Matamoras, PA – United States Naval Academy Bradley Newman , Clarks Summit, PA – United States Military Academy Eliana Parra , Wyoming, PA – United States Naval Academy Maria-Lucia Priore , Shavertown, PA – United States Naval Academy and United States Merchant Marine Academy Octavian Riszko , Stroudsburg, PA – United States Air Force Academy Patrick Smith , Wilkes-Barre, PA – United States Air Force Academy and United States Merchant Marine Academy Samuel Sroka , Saylorsburg, PA – United States Military Academy Natalie Talluto , Dickson City, PA – United States Military Academy Final appointment decisions are made by each service academy. Students interested in applying for a service academy nomination in the future are encouraged to visit our website here or contact Rep. Bresnahan’s office for more information. ### Issues : Congress Education