Report From Congress

REPORT FROM CONGRESS
By Congressman Roger F. Wicker

WICKER ACADEMY DAY HIGHLIGHTS SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Each year I host a Military Academy Day in the First Congressional District to provide information about the educational and career opportunities available at the nation's military service academies. The 2004 event will be November 20 on the campus of Lafayette High School in Oxford.

Students interested in learning more about the chance to earn a quality education and serve their country in our armed forces should plan to attend. The function will begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at noon. It is free of charge.

ACADEMY REPS ON HAND
Officials from the U. S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, U. S. Military Academy in West Point, New York, and the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, will join me for the event to share their experiences and offer insights into this unique opportunity. The Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, and the Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York, will also send representatives. Cadets from these institutions and members of academy parents' clubs will be available to answer questions from prospective students and parents.

The young men and women who are appointed to our military academies are among the nation's most exceptional students. The elite few who receive appointments receive a fully-funded education estimated to be worth more than $300,000.

After earning their college degrees, Cadets and Midshipmen are commissioned as officers for a five-year commitment in our armed forces. These officers will proudly take their place as the next generation of leaders to help keep our military the most formidable force in the world. Some graduates fulfill their five-year obligation and then leave the service to assume positions of leadership in other professions. The education, leadership development, and discipline these men and women gain from the academy experience will serve them well in any future career path.

H.S., MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS WELCOME
Academy Day offers middle school and high school students the chance to learn about the coursework and extracurricular activities the academies emphasize in selecting young men and women for appointments. The process will be helpful for students as they plan courses of study and involvement in other activities.

My staff and I have made it a priority to work with students and parents to ensure that they are informed and prepared for this very competitive process. I have the honor of nominating young men and women for possible academy appointments. Once nominated, the academies evaluate each candidate and then offer appointments on the basis of excellence in academics, athletic accomplishments, and leadership ability.

PREP SCHOOL OPTIONS
In addition to direct appointments, there are two other academy options. One-year public and private prep schools affiliated with the academies offer students the opportunity to develop academic and athletic skills that could qualify them for academy admission. These institutions place particular emphasis on instruction in mathematics and science-related courses.

We have been successful in placing a number of young people from the First Congressional District into the prep schools. The Navy prep school is in Newport, Rhode Island, the Army school is in Ft. Monmouth, New Jersey, and the Air Force facility is adjacent to the academy in Colorado Springs. The private prep school, funded by members of the Academy Alumni Club, is in Marion, Alabama.

More details about Academy Day 2004 can be obtained through school guidance counselors or by contacting any of my four district offices in Tupelo, Southaven, Columbus, and Grenada.