WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow announced Tuesday that she has nominated two students from the Upper Peninsula for admission at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, and the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

The two students, along with their hometowns and nominations are: Elliot Johnson of Iron Mountain, Navy, and Lukas Pfau, Mohawk, West Point

Students seeking appointment to a service academy must first obtain the nomination of their U.S. senator, their U.S. representative or the vice president. Students nominated by Stabenow’s office went through “a highly competitive application process” that included interviews by veteran, military and community leaders, officials said in the release.

Now that the students have been nominated, they must await acceptance for admission by the academy to which they have applied.

“Michigan is fortunate to have so many exceptional students who want to serve our country through military service,” Stabenow said in the announcement. “Having demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence in and out of the classroom, I am confident they will represent Michigan and our country well.”

U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet, also announced the United States Military Service Academy nominations for students in Michigan’s First Congressional District. Each year, Members of Congress are tasked with selecting qualified students from their respective districts to attend one of America’s prestigious Military Academies.

In the Upper Peninsula, Bergman nominated:

Joseph Luke – Marquette Senior High School, U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Naval Academy

Rebecca Ryan – Douglas High School, Minden NV, Merchant Marine Academy*

*Of Michigamme, family is stationed in Nevada

Bergman issued the following statement in regards to his nominees:

“I’m proud of the young men and women across Michigan’s First District who I’ve had the privilege to nominate to our Nation’s Service Academies. These young leaders have demonstrated their commitment to service, country, and education.

The First District has sent distinguished nominees to the Service Academies for decades — I have full confidence that these students will carry on that tradition.”