AF Academy Grad Wilson Proud of New Mexico Cadets
"Heather understands the benefits of an Academy education. I think that’s why she works so hard to give as many New Mexicans as possible the same opportunity." | John Curry,
Air Force Colonel, Retired
Member of Rep. Wilson's Academy Selection Panel |
Twelve Albuquerque-area students and their families celebrated last Saturday with Rep. Heather Wilson as those students prepare for life as cadets in America’s prestigious military academies. Wilson nominated the students, who have been accepted at West Point, Annapolis, the Air Force Academy and the Air Force Prep School.
"These students have earned full scholarships to attend a military service academy. They are the future leaders who will help keep America secure," Wilson said. "I look forward to congratulating them four years from now when they graduate. Attending the Air Force Academy helped shape who I am, and I’m certain the next four years will have a similar life-long effect on these young New Mexicans." Wilson’s nominations for New Mexico students are merit-based. Students must apply to Wilson’s office for a nomination, then undergo an interview process with a board of New Mexico leaders tapped by Wilson to help screen potential nominees.
New Mexico Students Headed to Military Service Academies
United States Air Force Academy
Ryan Loyd – St Pius X Ryan did a prestigious internship at Sandia National Laboratories because of his love of computers. He participated in Key Club, Student Council, Science club, and the Jazz Band. Ryan was a 2003 U.S. National Mathematics award recipient and took 3rd place as a team leader in the Super Computer Challenge. Ryan’s parents are Jean and Charles Villamarin. Ryan says: “As I grew older, I recognized that the structure and discipline in a military way of life attracted me, and I found that a service academy would be an excellent place to grow my talent with technology. It would also be a great place to learn to lead others in the defense of our nation.”
Lyndsey Horn – Albuquerque Academy Lyndsey graduated with a 4.2 GPA from Albuquerque Academy. She took advanced placement classes in U.S. History and Spanish, and earned academic achievement awards in Math , Language, Science, and English. She played tennis and was a varsity soccer player, where she served as co-captain. She is also active in a bible club and worked in her church nursery. Lyndsey’s parents are Helen and Rick Horn. Lyndsey says: “Serving my country means dignity, courage and selflessness. It will allow me to use and develop the leadership skills I’ve acquired thus far in school and athletics. Most of all, it means giving back to my country.” Caroline Kurtz – St Pius X Caroline was a member of the National Honor Society and was a lector at the Church of the Risen Savior. She performed community service through volunteering with her church, and also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. She was a varsity and championship volleyball and softball player. Caroline graduated 5th in her class with a GPA of 4.40. Caroline’s family has a strong tradition of serving in the military. Caroline’s parents are Leslie and Ronald Kurtz. Caroline says: “I want to continue my proud family tradition of service. I want to experience the soaring and flying opportunities at the Academy. I would like to fly in the Air Force and serve my country around the world.”
Rachel Arthur - West Mesa High School – finished USAFA Prep School (file not available)  Rachel Lovato – Rio Rancho High School – Accepted from AF Reserves (file not available)
USAFA Prep School
Samantha Sariñana – Manzano High School Samantha is an accomplished softball and volleyball player. She also excelled in academics, taking advanced placement courses in geography and calculus and received the Academic Achievement Award. She is a member of her church youth group and helped coach a little league softball team. Samantha’s parents are Debbie and Gary Sariñana. Samantha says: “I have always found taking up a leadership role thrilling and challenging, and I want to attend the Air Force Academy to continue and learn how to better lead.”
 Alicia Wallace – La Cueva High School Alicia participated in cheerleading, Girls State, the school band, and was a member of the JROTC. Alicia’s parents are Tok and Dennis Wallace. Alicia says, “A military academy would enable me to accomplish what I want out of life. A military academy would give me the opportunity to push myself to the limits of my endurance. A military academy would give me the chance to influence the lives of others as a leader.”
United States Naval Academy
Jonathan Erwert – La Cueva High School
Jonathan graduated in the top 10% of his class. He is an AP Scholar and received the Navy Award for Science in 2005. He took Advanced Placement classes in biology, U.S. history, and English composition. He also ran cross country as a senior. Jonathan’s parents are Carole and Ronald Erwert. Jonathan says: “My family has a long tradition of military service, and this has instilled in me a love of country, and the desire to defend it, our freedom, and my family. In a time of increasing geopolitical tension I think that service to one’s country is an important calling that I wish to answer.”
Marisa Moya – Sandia High School
In high school Marisa was a varsity soccer player who graduated in the top 6% of her class. She earned the Sandia High School Top Ten Academic Award and won numerous regional and state science fair awards. She’s a member of the Teens Living as Catholics Youth Group. Marisa looks forward to playing soccer at the Naval Academy. Marisa’s parents are Elizabeth and Jaime Moya. Marisa says: “The structure and discipline will enable me to succeed not only in the classroom, but in life. I enjoy solving problems, having responsibilities, and meeting expectations.”
United States Military Academy at West Point
Joseph Baca - Highland High School – finished United States Military Prep School Joseph graduated 31 in his class of nearly 400 students. He had a GPA of 3.99. He was active in student government and was a member of the National Honors Society, Key Club, and We the People. He was also a catechism teacher and a tutor at Holy Ghost School. Joseph’s parents are Charlene and Ronald Baca. Joseph says: “I love my God, my family, and my country above all things, and I am positive I can do whatever it takes to become one of the best officers by attending one of the United States Service Academies.”
Chloe Flores – Eldorado High School Chloe was a member of the JROTC and of the National Honor Society. She is a soccer player, and was a platoon commander in the MCJROTC. She was deemed the “Most physically fit female” in the Junior Police Academy. Chloe’s parents are Dawn and Frank Flores. Chloe says: “Attending a service academy is a personal goal of mine and has been ever since I can remember. To this end, I have always strived to do my best at everything in my life including scholastics, extracurricular activities, work, and family relationships.”  Anthony Rodriguez – Manzano High School Throughout high school Anthony worked for his grandfather’s business, A Handyman’s Haven. He was a member of the Rotary Interact Club, and excelled in the NJROTC. He was a member of the Holy Child Parish Youth Group and participated in New Mexico Boy’s State. He was also a member of the Civil Air Patrol. Anthony’s parents are Theresa and Maurice Rodriguez. Anthony says: “While obtaining a superior college education and being challenged academically, physically, and mentally is important to me, my greatest motivation for attending a Service Academy is my deep desire to serve my country as a military officer.” |