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

Rounds nominated Brody Weinmeister of Aberdeen as his principal nominee to the U.S. Naval Academy, Rowdy Baldwin of Pierre as his principal nominee to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and Hollie Wise of Spearfish as his principal nominee to the U.S. Air Force 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 serve our country as active-duty military members. We’re proud of these students and their desire to answer the call of duty to serve our nation. All of South Dakota is behind them every step of the way as they continue their education, serve their country and go into their careers with the U.S. military.”

Brody Weinmeister of Aberdeen – Principal Nominee, U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis)

Brody is the son of Robert and Stacey Weinmeister of Aberdeen, South Dakota. Brody is currently a senior at Aberdeen Roncalli High School, where he serves as captain of the varsity football team, plays varsity basketball and participates in student council. Brody helped establish the 7th Grade Mentor Program and the 5th Grade Lunch Program at Roncalli. Through the 5th Grade Lunch Program, high school students attend lunch with 5th graders at the elementary school to help younger students build relationships with upperclassmen and feel less nervous about moving up to the high school building when they enter sixth grade. Brody is a National Honor Society member and currently holds a 3.9 GPA.

“I am committed to upholding the values of integrity, discipline, and leadership that the United States Naval Academy instills in its midshipmen,” said Weinmeister. “This nomination represents not only an incredible opportunity but also a responsibility to serve with honor and dedication. I am excited for the challenges and experiences ahead, and I look forward to contributing to the legacy of excellence at the Naval Academy. I’d like to thank my teachers and family for all they have done for me during this journey. I would like to thank Senator Mike Rounds for his confidence in me, and I am eager to begin this next chapter in my journey to serve our great nation.”

Rowdy Baldwin of Pierre – Principal Nominee, U.S. Military Academy (West Point)

Rowdy is the son of Jason and Diedra Baldwin of Pierre, South Dakota. Rowdy competes in trap shooting, 5-Stand, 4-H Archery and skeet shooting. Rowdy spends a significant amount of his time tackling a variety of jobs and helping around the community. Rowdy also volunteers with Feeding South Dakota, volunteers with kids’ trap shooting and tutors foreign exchange and local students. Rowdy is a member of National Honor Society and currently holds a 4.0 GPA.

“I'm profoundly excited and grateful to receive a nomination to the United States Military Academy at West Point from Senator Mike Rounds,” said Baldwin. “The academy has been my goal and dream for the last 2 years, and I have been both pushed and helped by my friends and family to achieve this astounding honor. I deeply appreciate everyone around me who's helped me to work hard and reach my dreams, and I can't wait to be able to represent my family, community, and country. Beat Navy!”

Hollie Wise of Spearfish – Principal Nominee, U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs)

Hollie is the daughter of James and Sharilyn Wise of Spearfish, South Dakota. Hollie is currently a senior at Spearfish High School, where she is Vice President of the student council and participates in speech and debate, as well as varsity soccer. Hollie volunteers at her local church and as a peer academic tutor. Hollie is President of her National Honor Society chapter and currently holds a 4.0 GPA. 

“I am beyond grateful to receive Senator Mike Rounds’ principal nomination to the United States Air Force Academy,” said Wise. “This incredible opportunity would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my family, the inspiration and guidance of my teachers, and the encouragement of my friends. Most importantly, I give all glory to God, whose strength and faithfulness have brought me to this moment. Receiving this nomination has deepened my desire to attend the Academy, where I can contribute to something greater than myself.”

In addition to principal nominees, Rounds may send up to 14 competitive nominees per academy for consideration by that academy. Each service academy admission board gives full and fair consideration to these nominees and will determine final appointments. Rounds has selected the students listed below to receive a competitive nomination.

Two students, Lexi Brandt of Hill City (U.S. Naval Academy) and Joseph Juenger of Rapid City (U.S. Military Academy), received Letters of Assurance from their respective academies. A Letter of Assurance is a conditional offer of admission from the academy, dependent on the applicant receiving a nomination from a member of their Congressional delegation, as well as passing their medical and fitness screenings. Letters of Assurance are relatively rare and reflect a high level of confidence in the applicant's potential to succeed and contribute to the academy.

Lexi Brandt of Hill City – Competitive Nominee with Letter of Assurance, U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis)

Lexi is the daughter of Coni and Scott Brandt of Hill City, South Dakota. Lexi is a senior at Hill City High School, where she serves as President of the Student Council and Vice President of State Student Council. Lexi volunteers with the Humane Society and Children’s Miracle Network. Lexi serves as President of her National Honor Society chapter and currently holds a 4.0 GPA.

“I am deeply honored to receive Senator Mike Rounds' nomination to the United States Naval Academy,” said Brandt. “Serving my country has been a dream of mine since middle school, and this milestone would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my family, friends, and teachers. I am eager to begin this journey, knowing it will be both challenging and incredibly rewarding. The Naval Academy will shape me into a leader of character and prepare me to serve with honor and dedication as an officer in the United States Navy.”

Joseph Juenger of Rapid City – Competitive Nominee with Letter of Assurance, U.S. Military Academy (West Point)

Joseph is the son of Julie and Joseph Juenger of Rapid City, South Dakota. Joseph is a senior at Rapid City Stevens High School, where he serves as a captain of the varsity wrestling team and on the varsity soccer leadership team. Joseph was also a State Delegate to American Legion Boys Nation. Joseph serves as a youth wrestling coach and referee. Joseph is a member of National Honor Society and currently holds a 3.8 GPA.

“I am deeply grateful to receive Senator Mike Rounds' nomination to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point,” said Juenger. “I have worked hard toward this dream, but I know this opportunity and achievement is the result of support from our extraordinary community of families, teachers, coaches, friends, and veterans. I pledge to pay my gratitude forward by tirelessly serving and protecting our communities and country, now and for the next generation.”

U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis)

• Brody Weinmeister of Aberdeen – Principal
• Lexi Brandt of Hill City - Competitive with Letter of Assurance
• Cooper Deatherage of Brookings - Competitive
• Aubrey Fraasch of Milbank - Competitive
• Dylan Frank of Custer – Competitive
• Tarrent Frye of Sioux Falls - Competitive
• William Hanzlik of Chamberlain – Competitive
• Aaron Letner of Rapid City - Competitive
• Talan Lunders of Aberdeen - Competitive
• Lincoln Mansfield of Hurley - Competitive
• Alex Newman of Sioux Falls – Competitive
• Abigail Nichols of Pierre – Competitive
• Gabriel Reeve of Piedmont - Competitive
• Maverick Sutton of Ellsworth AFB, SD - Competitive
• Paige Willnerd of Summerset - Competitive 

U.S. Military Academy (West Point)

• Rowdy Baldwin of Pierre – Principal
• Cooper Deatherage of Brookings - Competitive
• Trey Dunse of Webster – Competitive
• Tarrent Frye of Sioux Falls - Competitive
• Joseph Juenger of Rapid City - Competitive with Letter of Assurance
• Lincoln Mansfield of Hurley - Competitive
• Alex Newman of Sioux Falls – Competitive
• Abigail Nichols of Pierre - Competitive
• Gabriel Reeve of Piedmont - Competitive
• Maverick Sutton of Ellsworth AFB, SD – Competitive
• Taylor Wenzlaff of Yankton - Competitive
• Paige Willnerd of Summerset - Competitive

U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs)

• Hollie Wise of Spearfish – Principal
• Max Cook of Gregory - Competitive
• Trey Dunse of Webster – Competitive
• Tarrent Frye of Sioux Falls – Competitive
• William Hanzlik of Chamberlain – Competitive
• Kendra Hoffmann of Sioux Falls - Competitive
• Aaron Letner of Rapid City - Competitive
• Talan Lunders of Rapid City – Competitive
• Lincoln Mansfield of Hurley - Competitive
• Kane Murphy of Dell Rapids - Competitive
• Alex Newman of Sioux Falls - Competitive
• Gabriel Reeve of Piedmont - Competitive
• Maverick Sutton of Ellsworth AFB, SD - Competitive
• Brody Weinmeister of Aberdeen - Competitive
• Paige Willnerd of Summerset - Competitive 

U.S. Merchant Marines Academy (Kings Point)

• Tarrent Frye of Sioux Falls - Competitive
• Abigail Nichols of Pierre - Competitive
• Maverick Sutton of Ellsworth AFB, SD - Competitive
• Paige Willnerd of Summerset - 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 the academies. Students applying for 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 for academic year 2026-2027 (Class of 2030) should apply by October 1, 2025. Questions about the academy nomination application process can be directed to Rounds’ Rapid City office by calling (605) 343-5035 or by emailing Academy_Nominations@rounds.senate.gov.

An informational packet and the application packet can be found on Rounds’ website at https://www.rounds.senate.gov/constituents/academy-nominations.

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