Rep. Wild Announces 2020 U.S. Naval Academy Appointees from PA-07
GREATER LEHIGH VALLEY – Today, U.S. Representative Susan Wild (PA-07) proudly announced that five students from Pennsylvania's Seventh District have accepted appointments to attend the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD beginning this Summer. Nominated by Wild last year, these students underwent a competitive application process and have joined the academy's Class of 2024.
"It is my distinguished honor to have nominated each of these students to attend the U.S. Naval Academy," Wild said. "Their commitment to serving our country at such a young age is inspiring. I feel truly grateful for the opportunity to see each of their career's progress through their time as midshipmen and beyond."
As the undergraduate college of our country's naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Naval Academy students are midshipmen on active duty in the U.S. Navy. They attend the academy for four years, graduating with bachelor of science degrees and commissions as ensigns in the Navy or second lieutenants in the Marine Corps. Naval Academy graduates serve at least five years in the Navy or Marine Corps.
Wild's Class of 2024 U.S. Naval Academy appointees from Pennsylvania's Seventh District include:
Lauren Ceh, Allentown, PA
Lauren is the daughter of William and Karen Ceh. Throughout her high school career at Parkland High School, Lauren was a standout athlete and leader. She was an active member of her varsity volleyball and varsity swimming teams, as well as a swim instructor at municipal pools. She was also dedicated to service as a Key Club volunteer and volunteer for the Special Olympics of the Lehigh Valley, and excelled academically as a member of the National Honor Society and the Math Honor Society. Lauren has accepted an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD. She joins her brother who is already a midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy, thereby furthering what has become a family tradition of military service.
Grace Smith, Orefield, PA
Grace is the daughter of William and Holly Smith, and sister to Carly and Matt Smith. Throughout her high school career at Holy Cross High School, Grace served as class president through her freshman, sophomore, and senior years. As vice president of the ASL Club and co-president of the National Honor Society, Grace has proven to be an academic leader. She was also an active participant on the varsity soccer team as well as a volunteer with the Travis Manion Foundation, where she was the co-director of the 9/11 Heroes Annual Run affiliated with the foundation. Grace has accepted an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD.
Alexandra Hand, Easton, PA
Alexandra is the daughter of Terrance and Lisa Hand. Throughout her high school career at Easton Area High School, Alexandra has been a distinguished leader both in and out of the classroom. An active member of her community, Alexandra was a part of Big Brothers, Big Sisters Lehigh Valley, the NAACP Youth Council, and a student member of the Shanthi Project Board of Directors. Alexandra excelled academically and was a member of the National Honor Society, as well as the recipient of the 2020 Academic Excellence Award at the U.S. Naval Academy. A strong athlete, she was also a member of her junior varsity softball and cross country teams. Alexandra has accepted an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD.
Joseph "Jake" Evert
Jake is the son of Vicki and Ben Evert. Throughout his high school career at Liberty High School, Jake proved himself as a "consistently stellar athlete" and well-rounded student. In addition to serving as captain of the Liberty High Swim Team, he placed third at the Pennsylvania State Championships and was awarded Notre Dame's Outstanding Athletic Performance and Leadership Award. He has volunteered weeks of time to his church's missions in Tennessee, helping to build and paint houses for the less fortunate. Jake has accepted an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD.
Andrew Cerniglia
Andrew is the son of Robert and Deborah Cerniglia. Throughout his high school career at Notre Dame High School, Andrew excelled both in academics and athletics and has been a role model for his peers. A strong athlete, Andrew has been wrestling since the age of 5 and has been training to wrestle at Division 1 level. Andrew served a Team Captain in his junior year and has attained numerous distinctions as a competitive wrestler, including winning the 145 and 160 PIAA AA State championship. Andrew's ambition is to be part of the USNA Wrestling Team. He enjoyed volunteering and worked with disabled children at Miracle League. Andrew has accepted an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD.
###