Nolan Ahlden of Ashkum and Nathaniel Garard of Gibson City are among the Illinois high school student nominees of U.S. Representative Adam Kinzinger for a military education.

Ahlden represents the Navy nominees while Garard is a West Point nomination.

Rep. Kinzinger Hosts 2018 Military Academy Nominees

Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) hosted a reception for the students he nominated for their respective Military Academy applications. All of the students live in the 16th District of Illinois and have applied for admission to one of the U.S. Military Academy institutions. Following the ceremony in Ottawa, Congressman Kinzinger released this statement:

“We have the greatest military in the world, and it’s because our men and women volunteer to protect and defend this great nation and the values we hold dear. This year, I had the privilege to nominate 19 incredible students from the 16th District as they take the next steps in their education through servant leadership.

“The Military Service Academy application process is very competitive and the training programs can be grueling. I’m very impressed by each of our nominees, humbled by their willingness to serve, and wish each one of them the best of luck in this process and in their future endeavors.”

The reception was hosted for the nominees and their families, with local media in attendance. Please visit the Congressman’s Facebook page for photos from the reception that will be shared in the “2018 Military Service Academy Nominations Reception” photo album.

NOTE: The students and their respective academy is listed in the table below.

Aeris Butler - Rockton                             Air Force

Kekoa Gross - Ottawa                             Air Force

Andrew Hancock - Ottawa                       Air Force

Kassidy Hansen - Wilmington                  Air Force

Brookelyn Messenger - Poplar Grove        Air Force

Keegan Smith - DeKalb                           Air Force

Nathaniel Stout - Polo                             Air Force

Lael Versace - Rockford                          Air Force

Reagan Wells - Roscoe                           Air Force

Christopher Winters - Loves Park              Air Force

Nolan Ahlden - Ashkum                           Naval

James Cern -   Kingston                          Naval

Aidan Filipovic - Poplar Grove                  Naval

Matthew Grant - Belvidere                      Naval

Noah Knight - Rochelle                           Naval

Devin Lee - Streator                               Naval

Sadie Luhman - Belvidere                       Naval

Clinton Schielein - Dixon                         Naval

Nathaniel Garard - Gibson City                West Point

94. WGFA