Burbank, CA – Today, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) announced that five students from the 29th Congressional District have received appointments to U.S. service academies for the class of 2016. Four of the five United States service academies require a Congressional nomination in order to receive an appointment.

The following students received appointments:

• Peter Thomas Goodwin, a resident of Alhambra attending St. Monica Academy, to the Naval Academy

• Nathan William Hamming, a resident of Burbank attending Polytechnic School, to the Military Academy at West Point

• Jason William Hoist, a resident of Alhambra attending Southlands Christian School, to the Air Force Academy

• Jennifer Irene Jimenez, a resident of Pasadena and a graduate of San Marino High School, to the Merchant Marine Academy

• Victoria Denise Pearson, a resident of Pasadena attending Harvard-Westlake School, to the Military Academy at West Point

"Each one of the students appointed to a service academy this year has compiled an outstanding resume of accomplishments and demonstrated excellence in academics and extracurricular activities,” said Schiff. “They are also deeply committed to serving our country and will be the leaders of the future for our armed forces. I’m sure that each one of these gifted students will make our community and our country incredibly proud.”

Peter Thomas Goodwin, an Alhambra resident attending St. Monica Academy, has been appointed to the Naval Academy. Peter is an accomplished student, achieving First Honors every year, serving as an elected official in Student Council and achieving Magna Cum Laude on the National Latin Examination. Throughout his time in high school, Peter has been incredibly active in sports, playing on the varsity baseball, basketball, football and cross country teams, and was selected as the co-captain of the varsity basketball team. He also volunteers at his parish, St. Andrew as a receptionist and Altar Server.

Nathan William Hamming, a Burbank resident attending Polytechnic School, has been appointed to the Military Academy at West Point. While attending Polytechnic School, Nathan has demonstrated his academic achievement, being awarded the AP Scholar award and being awarded honor roll in 10th and 11th grades. Nathan has also played on the varsity football team and serving as its captain his senior year. He has been given a number of prestigious awards, including 1st Team All-CIF, 1st Team All-Area from the Pasadena Star-News, and 1st Team All-California. Additionally, Nathan volunteers at Operation Gratitude, a non-profit organization that assembles care packages for troops overseas, and as a member of his Church group where he helps with their food bank.

Jason William Hoist, an Alhambra resident attending Southlands Christian School, will be attending the Air Force Academy. Throughout his high school career, Jason has developed into a leader, serving as a cadet in the Squadron 21 Civil Air Patrol and commander of the squad’s Color Guard. He has also distinguished himself through his participation in sports and extracurricular activities, playing defender for Crown City Club Soccer and participating in the Foothill Academy of Vocal Arts’ Master’s Chorale, where he was selected as the choir chaplain. During the summer, he worked at the Lake Avenue Church Children’s Ministry program.

Jennifer Irene Jimenez, a Pasadena resident who attended San Marino High School, has been appointed to the Merchant Marine Academy. Jennifer is a gifted athlete having played on her varsity softball and soccer teams and serving as captain of the softball team her senior year and in her school’s student government as Athletics Commissioner. Additionally, Jennifer participated in martial arts, volleyball and gymnastics. Throughout her high school career, Jennifer volunteered her time with the Tournament of Roses Parade and the San Marino High School Homecoming Parade, and received the Rotary Youth Leadership Award in 2010.

Victoria Denise Pearson, a Pasadena resident attending Harvard-Westlake School, has been appointed to the Military Academy at West Point. During her time at Harvard-Westlake, Victoria has been incredibly active in extra-curricular activities singing with various groups on campus like the Vocal Ensemble, Madrigals and Chamber Singers, as well as writing for the school newspaper and serving as the secretary for the Black Leadership and Culture Club. Additionally, she has played on her school’s volley ball team and played for various club volleyball team. And for the past two years, Victoria has been a National Merit Scholar.

The four academies requiring a Congressional nomination are the Air Force Academy, the Merchant Marine Academy, the Military Academy at West Point, and the Naval Academy. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, does not require a Congressional nomination. All five academies offer young men and women a free college education at a highly-ranked, nationally-recognized academic institution, while preparing them for an officer's commission in the armed forces.

Students interested in applying to a Service Academy for the Class of 2017, should call Congressman Schiff’s District Office at 626-304-2727 or visit http://schiff.house.gov to obtain an application form. The application deadline is October 26, 2012.