Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas ARLINGTON TX: U.S. Rep. Joe Barton (R-Ennis/Arlington) celebrated the appointments of 8 area students to the U.S. service academies and prep schools at a reception last week in his Arlington Congressional Office.
Academic and athletic excellence has made this one of the strongest classes ever put forward by Rep. Barton 116 asked for applications but only 7 made it into an academy and one was appointed to a prep school.
In order to gain admission to one of the service academies which include the U.S. Air Force Academy U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Military Academy at West Point students must first receive a nomination from a Member of Congress. Each of the 8 appointees went through a comprehensive interview process to receive Rep. Bartons nomination which was then sent to the academies to determine who would receive appointments.
These students are the best of the best. I want to congratulate them for what they have already accomplished in their lives and support them as they move forward with their education. They are beginning a time of dedicated learning and service to our nation" said Rep. Barton. Each of the U.S. Service Academies plays a key role in developing many of our nations finest leaders. These students are the next generation and they are being prepared for the future at some of the best universities in the nation."
Below is each of the appointees listed in alphabetical order:
- Curt Allen of Mansfield will attend the United State Naval Academy Prep School. He is a graduate of The Oakridge School where he was a star in the classroom in the community and on the athletic arena. Curt was a member of the National Honor Society voted most dedicated pre-calculus student and outstanding physics student. He also earned a community service award for more than 100 hours of work in his area. Curt was also a standout on the football and powerlifting teams where he served as captain of both.
- Rogelio Castaneda Jr. of Arlington will be attending the United States Air Force Academy. He is attended Sam Houston High School Northwestern Preparatory School and Tarrant County College. Rogelio was a member of the National Honor Society UIL Science Team and Academic Decathlon team. His hard work in the classroom paid off with the Falcon Foundation Scholarship to Northwestern Prep. Rogelio also ran cross country and played on the varsity soccer team.
- Frank Chen of Arlington will be attending the United States Military Academy at West Point. Frank is a recent graduate of Martin High School. He was a member of the National Honor Society Key Club and Junior World Affairs Council. Frank is also an accomplished musician he was named to the All-Region Orchestra three times.
- Paul Cheng of Arlington will be attending the United States Naval Academy. He is a graduate of Martin High School. Last year Paul attended Texas Christian University where he was a member of their drumline and part of the Army ROTC. While at TCU he never gave up on his dream to become a Navy Seal. He re-applied for the Naval Academy and was accepted this year.
- Nathan Degen of Arlington will be attending the United States Military Academy at West Point. He graduated from Kennedale High School and last year went to the U.S. Military Academy Prep School. He compiled a long list of accomplishments and honors at each place. At Kennedale High Nathan was Class President a member of the National Honor Society Fellowship of Christian Athletes President played on the football team and was captain of the soccer team. At the Military Prep he was on the Battalion Staff played soccer and ran track.
- Samuel Gagliano of Waxahachie will be attending the United States Air Force Academy. Samuel attended Waxahachie High School for three years but last year went to the Air Force Academy Prep School. While there he played football and ran track. In fact he was named Outstanding Cadet Candidate in Athletics." Samuel was also the Squadron Commander for the First Preparatory Squadron- known as the Raptors.
- Marcelli Magday of Arlington will be attending the United States Air Force Academy. She graduated from Nolan Catholic High School with High Honors. Marcelli received the American Way Award given by the Catholic Daughters of the Americas to an outstanding student in Catholic schools. She volunteered at the St. Anthonys Food Pantry. At Nolan she was also a member of the National Honor Society and the Asian Club. Marcelli is also an accomplished tennis player. She is a 4-time finalist in the 5-A TAPPS State Tennis Division and was ranked in the Texas top-10 and the top-200 nationwide. She hopes to play tennis at the USAFA.
- Shannon Trinh of Mansfield will be attending the United States Air Force Academy. She is a graduate of Mansfield High School. Shannon was a member of the National Honor Society and Key Club. She was also active in the Health Occupations Students of America where she served as district president and placed second in the Regional Health Occupation Students of America Competition. Shannon was also a member of the cross country and powerlifting teams at Mansfield High. She was also very active at her church.
Please join the Congressman in congratulating these young people on their accomplishments and wishing them well as they train to become the future leaders of our country.
