Delegate to Congress Donna M. Christensen, in collaboration with the College Access Challenge Grant Program at the University of the Virgin Islands, announced on Thursday the hosting of two Military Academy Day events in the territory – on St. Thomas on Wednesday, Sept. 28, at UVI’s ACC Building and on St. Croix on Thursday, Sept. 29, at UVI’s Great Hall. Both will take place from 6-9:30 p.m.
Congresswoman Christensen said Academy Day is in essence a college fair, aimed at familiarizing Virgin Islands students, parents, guidance counselors and the community with the application and nomination process for applying to the nation’s five military service academies.
“While I have nominated dozens of Virgin Islands students to the service academies throughout my tenure in Congress, this is the first time we’ve hosted an Academy Day event,” said Congresswoman Christensen. “I am pleased that UVI’s College Access Challenge Grant Program is collaborating with us in hopes of reaching out to more students.”
Representatives from four of the five academies — the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy — will be in attendance to explain their requirements and expectations and to answer questions. The event is open to students in grades seven through 12.
“This event is an excellent opportunity for the territory’s youth to learn more about attending one of our nation’s prestigious military academies,” said Congresswoman Christensen. “I encourage families to take advantage of this unique opportunity.”
Congresswoman Christensen is allowed three vacancies at four of the five service academies. For each vacancy, members of Congress may nominate up to 10 candidates who meet the eligibility requirements established by law. For Christensen to be able to nominate them, applicants must be at least 17 years old and cannot have turned 23 as of July 1 on the year of enrollment, be both a legal U.S. citizen and a Virgin Islands resident, and be unmarried with no dependents. The prospective student remains in one of the vacancy slots until graduation.
The five service academies provide opportunities for qualified men and women to receive a college education. They offer appointments to highly qualified individuals who meet eligibility requirements and show evidence of character, scholarship, leadership, physical aptitude, medical fitness, goals and motivation.
The five service academies provide opportunities for qualified men and women to receive a college education. They offer appointments to highly qualified individuals who meet eligibility requirements and show evidence of character, scholarship, leadership, physical aptitude, medical fitness, goals and motivation.
Students interested in a military appointment should contact the Office of the Delegate to Congress, their school guidance counselor or visit her Web site at www.donnachristensen.house.gov.
