12.19.2023

Rounds Announces Nominations to U.S. Service Academies for 2024-2025 School Year

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today announced that he has nominated students for appointments to the nation’s service academies.

Rounds nominated Ryan Fiechtner of Aberdeen as his top nominee to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Nicholas Gray of Fort Pierre as his top nominee to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and Maya Lee of Dell Rapids as his top nominee to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs. In addition, Rounds nominated Nicholas Hanson, who received a fully qualified offer of appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy.

“It’s an honor to nominate our nation’s future military leaders to U.S. service academies,” said Rounds. “The U.S. service academies are among the most elite educational institutions in the world. After receiving a top-notch education, these South Dakotans will courageously serve our country as active-duty military members. We’re proud of Ryan, Nicholas G., Maya and Nicholas H. for their desire to answer the call of duty to serve our nation.”

Ryan Fiechtner of Aberdeen – Principal Nominee, U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis)

Ryan Fiechtner is the son of Brad and Pam Fiechtner of Aberdeen, South Dakota. A senior at Aberdeen Central High School, Ryan is a member of the marching band and symphonic band. Ryan volunteers with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a nonprofit that builds and delivers beds to children in need. Ryan is a member of the National Honor Society and holds a 3.87 GPA.

"I am deeply grateful to receive Senator Mike Rounds' principal nomination to the United States Naval Academy,” said Fiechtner. “It has been my dream to serve since my freshman year of high school. I'd like to thank my teachers, friends and family for their overwhelming support along the way. This opportunity has strengthened my resolve and commitment to the United States armed forces where I seek to become a representative for myself, my family and my country."

Nicholas Gray of Fort Pierre – Principal Nominee, U.S. Military Academy (West Point)

Nicholas is the son of Bob and Cara Gray of Fort Pierre, South Dakota. A senior at O’Gorman High School, Nicholas plays hockey for the Sioux Falls Flyers, coaches younger skaters and teaches at hockey camps and clinics. Nicholas is involved in his church youth group and volunteers with Feeding South Dakota. Nicholas holds a 3.82 GPA.

“It's an honor to be nominated to a service academy,” said Gray. “I am extremely thankful for the people who have supported me over the years and will continue to support me - including my family, friends, teachers, and coaches. West Point will help me achieve new heights as a leader and I am grateful to have the opportunity to serve my country.”

Maya Lee of Dell Rapids – Principal Nominee, U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs)

Maya Lee is the daughter of Christy and Gregory Lee of Dell Rapids, South Dakota. Maya is a 2023 graduate of Dell Rapids High School and is currently attending the Georgia Military College under the Falcon Foundation Scholarship. While in high school, Maya was active in boxing, jiu jitsu, cross country and National Honor Society, graduating with a 3.95 GPA.

“I’m extremely grateful to receive Senator Rounds’ principal nomination for USAFA,” said Lee. “It’s exciting to have a chance to serve alongside the brave men and women in the United States Air Force. I want to thank Senator Rounds and his team for helping me on this journey and my parents, teachers, friends, and boxing coach, as they continue to inspire me every day.”

In addition to principal nominees, Rounds may send up to nine competitive candidates per academy for consideration by that academy. Rounds has selected the students listed below to receive a competitive nomination. Each service academy admission board gives full and fair consideration to these nominees and will determine final appointments.

Nicholas Hanson of Dakota Dunes – Competitive Nominee with Fully Qualified Offer of Appointment, U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis)

Nicholas is the son of Joe and Jesica Hanson of Dakota Dunes, South Dakota. A senior at Dakota Valley High School, Nicholas is active in student government and currently serves as Student Body President. He is on the football and track teams, and plays the trumpet in the marching, jazz and concert bands. Nicholas is a National Honor Society member and holds a 4.0 GPA.

“I am very thankful to have been selected to receive a nomination from Senator Rounds and his nominating committee,” said Hanson. “It has been my dream to attend the United States Naval Academy. I look forward to representing South Dakota while serving our country as an officer. I am blessed to be able to have this opportunity and appreciate the support from my family and friends.”

U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis)

Ryan Fiechtner of Aberdeen, SD – Principal
Aubrey Fraasch of Milbank, SD – Competitive
Nicholas Gray of Fort Pierre, SD – Competitive
Nicholas Hanson of Dakota Dunes, SD – Competitive (Fully Qualified Offer of Appointment)
Dale Kinyon II of Rapid City, SD – Competitive
Talan Lunders of Rapid City, SD – Competitive
Nicholas Maas of Sioux Falls, SD – Competitive
Grant Masek of Sioux Falls, SD – Competitive
Jagur Parks of Rapid City, SD – Competitive
Keegan Thomas of Sioux Falls, SD – Competitive

U.S. Military Academy (West Point)

Nicholas Gray of Fort Pierre, SD – Principal
Aubrey Fraasch of Milbank, SD – Competitive
Dale Kinyon II of Rapid City, SD – Competitive
Savanah Hendricks of Vivian, SD – Competitive
Jagur Parks of Rapid City, SD – Competitive

U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs)

Maya Lee of Dell Rapids, SD – Principal
Trey Dunse of Webster, SD – Competitive
Shae Fiala of Baltic, SD – Competitive
William Fogarty of Hartford, SD – Competitive
Tristan Fosberg of Ellsworth Air Force Base, SD – Competitive
Samuel Garrett of Rapid City, SD – Competitive
Talan Lunders of Rapid City, SD – Competitive
Nicholas Maas of Sioux Falls, SD – Competitive
Trey Murray of Gregory, SD – Competitive
Caleb Pitsenberger of Flandreau, SD – Competitive

U.S. Merchant Marines Academy (Kings Point)

Talan Lunders of Rapid City, SD – Competitive
Jagur Parks of Rapid City, SD – Competitive

Students interested in attending a service academy go through a rigorous application process. Because the academies are highly competitive, students must meet eligibility requirements in leadership, physical fitness, character and academics. The young people joining the military directly from the academies are among the highest caliber our country has to offer, which is a result of the challenging training and education they received at service academies. Students applying for service academies are required to receive a Congressional nomination as part of the application process. Those appointed receive a scholarship and military appointment and are required to serve in the military for at least five years upon graduation.

Individuals interested in applying for a service academy nomination beginning in academic year 2025-2026 (Class of 2029) should apply by October 1, 2024. Questions about the academy nomination application process can be directed to Rounds’ Sioux Falls office by calling (605) 336-0486 or by emailing Academy_Nominations@rounds.senate.gov. An informational packet and the application packet can be found on Senator Rounds’ website at https://www.rounds.senate.gov/constituents/academy-nominations.

Photos of Rounds’ nominees can be downloaded HERE.

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