Rounds’ South Dakota Nominees Starting at U.S. Service Academies

PIERRE – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) announced that seven South Dakota students he nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy have been accepted as members of the graduating class of 2026 at their respective academies. Rounds’ office is currently accepting nomination applications for the graduating class of 2027. Applications must be submitted by October 1, 2022. More information on the nomination process can be found HERE.

“Each year, I am honored to nominate individuals to U.S. service academies,” said Rounds. “By attending an academy, students have the opportunity to serve our nation while receiving an excellent education at a top-notch institution. I encourage young South Dakotans looking to answer the call of duty to consider applying to one of our prestigious military academies. These young men and women become our nation’s future military leaders.”

The following students were nominated by Rounds and are joining the 2022-2023 freshman class at their respective academies later this month.

U.S. Naval Academy

Aiden Kasten, Brandon

Daniel Colby, Sioux Falls

Halle Fjelland, Spearfish

U.S. Military Academy

Luke Jegeris, Rapid City

Grace Kaiser, Aberdeen

U.S. Air Force Academy

John Costello, Sioux Falls

Gunnar Kvistad, Clark

Each year, Rounds is able to nominate South Dakota students to the U.S. service academies. Each academy then gives full and fair consideration to these nominations when selecting applicants. Nominations are available for the following institutions: the United States Air Force Academy, United States Military Academy at West Point, United States Naval Academy at Annapolis and United States Merchant Marines Academy. Questions about the academy nomination process can be directed to Rounds’ Sioux Falls office by emailing Academy_Nominations@rounds.senate.gov or by calling (605) 336-0486. An informational packet and the application packet can be found HERE.

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