WASHINGTON, D.C. – Lathrop High School student Ross Downum is one of five students nominated by Congressman Dennis Cardoza (D-Merced) for the United States Service academies.

The five nominated are students in California’s 18th Congressional District to be in the graduating class of 2016 at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point or the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis.

“This is one of my greatest privileges as a member of Congress and I am honored to play a role in choosing our nation’s future leaders,” Cardoza stated in a press release.

“Each young person is an outstanding nominee and has demonstrated excellence and leadership potential. I congratulate them for making their families and community proud and commend them for their desire and aspirations to serve our country.”

Lathrop High’s Downum has been nominated to both the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Military Academy.

The other student nominees are:

• David Bennett of Modesto High School – U.S. Military Academy, West Point.

• John Ohman of Modesto Junior College – U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis.

• Raymond Tello of Livingston High School – U.S. Military Academy, West Point.

•    Karch Thissen of Golden Valley High School – U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis and U.S. Military Academy, West Point.

Each year, the congressman nominates talented young men and women from his district to the nation’s service academies. Cardoza’s Academy Selection Committee interviewed each applicant and recently made the recommendations to the congressman. The selection of nominees is based on a composite of academic factors, including junior class rank and SAT scores, along with leadership potential.

Although a nomination is required for admission into an academy, it is not a guarantee of acceptance. Each service academy will ultimately decide whether or not each candidate will be admitted.