ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. — Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) hosted a special Service Academy Dinner on Wednesday, June 18, at his Rocky Mount district office to celebrate a distinguished group of high school graduates from eastern North Carolina who have earned appointments to the United States Military Service Academies.
“These young leaders represent the very best of eastern North Carolina,” Congressman Davis remarked. “Their drive, discipline, and desire to serve our country inspire us all. It was a true honor to recognize their hard work and celebrate this milestone with their families.”
The event shone a spotlight on the academic and leadership achievements of each appointee and acknowledged the challenging nomination and acceptance process for admission to the academies.
Among those honored were Abel Dees of Nash County and Parker Stokes of Pitt County, both appointed to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. They were recognized for their outstanding academic records, high GPAs and test scores, and leadership roles in student government and athletics.
Leonardo Fletcher-Fontana of Pitt County will attend the U.S. Air Force Academy, celebrated for his leadership in JROTC, commitment to mental health advocacy, and dedication to community service.
Nicholas Antonio Santiago of Perquimans County earned an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, with notable achievements in academics, athletics, the arts, and volunteerism—including his service as a part-time firefighter.
Dylan Sawyer of Pitt County, also appointed to the Naval Academy, was honored in absentia for his academic distinction at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, along with his involvement in STEM, leadership programs, and youth engagement.
The evening concluded with Congressman Davis expressing heartfelt gratitude to the families, teachers, coaches, and mentors who support these young appointees. “Behind every appointee is a circle of support: parents, teachers, coaches, and mentors, who have helped them reach this point,” Davis said. “We all know these students will go on to do wonderful things in the future.”
Congressman Davis is authorized to nominate candidates to four U.S. service academies: West Point, Naval, Air Force, and Merchant Marine. (The Coast Guard Academy does not require a nomination.) While a nomination is necessary, it does not guarantee admission. The service academies offer a full scholarship in exchange for military service following graduation.
For more information about the service academy nomination process, contact Congressman Davis’s office at (252) 999-7600.
Davis, a 1994 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and a U.S. Air Force veteran, currently serves as the vice ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee and sits on its Tactical Air and Land Forces and Readiness subcommittees.
