Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., has selected a "talented group" of Wyoming youth as nominees for the United States service academies for 2004.

Enzi's choices for the U.S. Air Force, Military, Merchant Marine and Naval Academies include hopefuls from more than a dozen Wyoming communities.

"Once again we see the exceptional nature of Wyoming's youth. Even though military service has been especially dangerous during the last few years, Wyoming students continue to demonstrate their patriotism by applying to our service academies. I am pleased these nominees have such a strong desire to serve their nation during and after their pursuit of an excellent education," said Enzi. "The students and our country will benefit."

Nominees are selected by an academy selection committee assembled by the senator. Receiving a nomination is the first step in the process of seeking an appointment to an academy. Individual academies will make their final selections from the list of nominees.

Students interested in attending a U.S. service academy can apply for a nomination from Enzi by calling his Gillette office at 307-682-6268 or by visiting his web page (enzi.senate.gov).

Air Force Academy:
Cedar Balazs, Laramie
Keegan Delaney, Jackson
Jeremy Dyess, Kaycee
Riley Emter, Sheridan
Kyle Ferguson, Laramie
Jade Green, Sheridan
Greg Harton, Rock Springs
Peter Lavallee, Cheyenne
Hali Nelson, Thermopolis
Robert Whipple, Cheyenne

Military Academy:
Justin Atwood, Casper
Karly Eyre, Green River
Kyle Ferguson, Laramie
Sarah Heine, Sheridan
Darray Hunt, Cheyenne
Travis Millhouse, Buffalo
Marcus Neiman, Hulett
Hali Nelson, Thermopolis
James Padgett, Casper
Christopher Tracy, Moorcroft

Merchant Marine Academy:
Karly Eyre, Green River
Kyle Ferguson, Laramie
Peter Lavallee, Cheyenne
Christopher Tracy, Moorcroft

Naval Academy:
Cedar Balazs, Laramie
Keegan Delaney, Jackson
Jeremy Dyess, Kaycee
Riley Emter, Sheridan
Karly Eyre, Green River
Kyle Ferguson, Laramie
Jade Green, Sheridan
Tyler King, Gillette
Peter Lavallee, Cheyenne
Hali Nelson, Thermopolis
Christopher Tracy, Moorcroft