Edwards announces U.S. service academy nominees for North Carolina’s 11th District

U.S. Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) today announced the newest class of service academy nominations for North Carolina’s 11th District.

Twelve high school students from Western North Carolina have received nominations to attend one of the United States service academies, including the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

After a competitive application and interview process, Congressman Edwards and his Military Service Academy Selection Committee nominated the following students:

• Cayden Cannon from Christ School: U.S. Military Academy (West Point)
• Miles Edwards from Asheville High School: U.S. Air Force Academy
• Luke Garner from Christ School: U.S. Air Force Academy
• Cedric Gordon from Asheville High School: U.S. Air Force Academy
• Matthew Hyatt from North Buncombe High School: U.S. Naval Academy
• William Lawing from Nesbitt Discovery Academy: U.S. Air Force Academy
• Nathaniel Leftwich from Pisgah High School: U.S. Naval Academy
• James Lilly from Christ School: U.S. Naval Academy
• Michael Puzerewski from Holy Innocence Academy: U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
• Chloe Smith from North Henderson High School: U.S. Naval Academy
• Lillian Whitesides from Franklin High School: U.S. Naval Academy
• Anita Zavyalova from A.C. Reynolds High School: U.S. Naval Academy

"One of the most sacred responsibilities I have as a member of Congress is to help select the future leaders of America’s military through a highly selective process. This is an exceptional group of nominees, and the families of these individuals should be extremely proud. I look forward to watching these students represent the best that Western North Carolina and the United States has to offer," said Congressman Edwards. "Congratulations to our 2023 nominees!"

The honor of attending a service academy comes with the obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, an applicant must meet the eligibility requirements established by law and be nominated from an authorized source.

As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Edwards may nominate applicants who legally reside within the boundaries of the 11th Congressional District of North Carolina.

For more information regarding the service academy nomination process, please visit edwards.house.gov/services/military-academy-nominations.