Hawaiʻi – U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) announced the nomination of 11 Hawaiʻi students to U.S. military service academies for the Class of 2028. The academies will now consider the students’ applications for final selections.
“I am honored to nominate an inspiring and dedicated group of young people to our nation’s military academies. Their strong commitment to service and to advancing our shared principles leaves me confident that they will represent Hawaiʻi with the highest honor,” said Rep. Jill Tokuda. “Growing up in one of the most strategic locations in the Indo-Pacific, these students possess a unique perspective that will allow them to contribute significantly to our nation in the future. I am eager to see what they accomplish.”
Today’s announcement includes Rep. Tokuda’s nominations for the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and the U.S. Military Academy. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy uses a separate application process.
Rep. Tokuda convened a Congressional Military Service Academy Nomination Panel composed of notable service members from Hawaiʻi’s Second Congressional District to review applicants and provide feedback on those who would best represent Hawaiʻi and thrive in a Military Academy environment. Prospective students were measured on their scholastic achievement, leadership experience, school involvement, athletic and extra-curricular activities, community contributions, and volunteer or employment experiences. Nomination does not guarantee appointment.
The nominees will be advanced for consideration by each academy’s director of admissions.
Representative Tokuda’s Class of 2028 Academy Nominations are as follows:
U.S. Naval Academy
- Jesse Baker— Maryknoll High School
- Lily Barrett— King Kekaulike High School
- Christopher Choy— Saint Louis High School
- Isaac Funtanilla— Waimea High School
- Novalee Lackey— Kalaheo High School
- Ryan Leclair— Leilehua High School
- Amelie Loomis— Kalaheo High School
- Michael Salehi— Saint Louis School
U.S. Air Force Academy
- Lily Barrett— King Kekaulike High School
- Christopher Choy— Saint Louis High School
- Isaac Funtanilla— Waimea High School
- Ryan Leclair— Leilehua High School
- Amelie Loomis— Kalaheo High School
- Melia Okamoto— Yokota High School in Japan
- Koby Oku— University Laboratory School of Hawaiʻi
- Nicki Silva— Kamehameha Schools Maui
U.S. Military Academy at West Point
- Jesse Baker— Maryknoll High School
- Christopher Choy— Saint Louis High School
- Isaac Funtanilla— Waimea High School
- Novalee Lackey— Kalaheo High School
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
- Christopher Choy— Saint Louis High School
- Isaac Funtanilla— Waimea High School
###