Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar has announced the appointment of four students from Florida’s 27th Congressional District to the United States Service Academies. These students, nominated by Salazar, have been accepted into their respective academies for the Class of 2029.
“It is an incredible honor to nominate such talented and patriotic young leaders to our nation’s prestigious service academies,” said Rep. Salazar. “I was deeply impressed by their passion to serve our country and defend America’s values around the world. I have no doubt they will represent South Florida with pride, strength, and excellence—and make our community proud.”
The appointed students are Lucia Castillo-Rios for the U.S. Naval Academy from Palmetto Bay’s Our Lady of Lourdes Academy; Austin Nelson for the U.S. Air Force Academy from Cutler Bay Senior High; Vasyl Romankiv also for the U.S. Air Force Academy from Miami’s Palmetto Senior High School; and Natan Rowlands for the U.S. Military Academy at West Point from Westminster Christian School in Cutler Bay.
These appointments highlight the students’ academic achievements, leadership skills, and commitment to serving their country. The service academies provide rigorous education and military training, preparing cadets and midshipmen to become future officers in the United States Armed Forces.
The service academies are renowned for excellence, leadership, and integrity within America’s armed forces. Acceptance into these institutions is a significant achievement that comes with a commitment: graduates must serve at least five years in the U.S. military.
Each year, Congresswoman Salazar evaluates numerous applicants based on academic performance, leadership qualities, character, and dedication to service as part of a competitive nomination process. Each congressional office can nominate up to fifteen individuals per academy vacancy.
To request a nomination from Congresswoman Salazar, interested individuals can visit her website or email FL27.ACADEMY@MAIL.HOUSE.GOV.
