Easton, PA – Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright proudly announced the nomination of eight students from Northampton and Carbon Counties for appointments to the United States Service Academies. Each student nominated by Congressman Cartwright will go through the academies’ competitive application process. If offered an appointment, the students will join their respective academy’s class of 2019, however, nominees are still required to seek admittance from their desired service academy—a decision made by each academy individually. “It is my distinguished honor to nominate these exceptional young men and women as candidates for appointment to our esteemed United States Service Academies,” Cartwright said. “Each student nominated is among the best and brightest of northeastern Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley, and they represent the next generation of great American leaders.” Cartwright continued, “I want to thank these outstanding young adults for their willingness to commit to service to and for country. They give me hope that our best days are surely ahead.”

Cartwright’s class of 2019 U.S. Service Academy nominees include:

Antonio Cucciuffo, Easton, PA

Antonio Cucciuffo is a senior at Notre Dame High School in Easton, PA. He is the son of Salvatore and Andrea Cucciuffo. He is the Assistant Volunteer Lacrosse Coach at Palmer Township Youth Lacrosse program and is a member of the Future Business Leaders of America. Antonio also plays lacrosse and soccer. Antonio will be receiving the nomination for the United States Merchant Marine Academy.

Kelli. A. Franza, Roseto, PA

Kelli A. Franza is a senior of Pius X High School in Roseto, PA. She is the daughter of James and Jean Franza. Kelli is a recipient of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Leader of the Year Award and member of the National Honor Society. She also plays softball and volleyball. Kelli will be receiving the nomination for the United States Military Academy.

Courtney Horace, Easton, PA

Courtney Horace is a senior at Easton Area High School in Easton, PA. She is the daughter of Matthew and Dawn Horace. Courtney was the Girls Volleyball Player of the Year and belongs to the Women’s Welfare Club, DECA, Latin Club, and the American Red Cross Club. Courtney is receiving the nomination for the United States Military Academy.

Janel M. Tracy, Palmerton, PA

Janel M. Tracy is a senior at Palmerton Area High School in Palmerton, PA. She is the daughter of Jamie Lee and Jonice Tracy. She is the President and Editor in Chief for the school newspaper, Treasurer for the National Honor Society, and a member of the Future Business Leaders of America. She also has participated in several events such as the Raise the House 5K, Special Olympics, and the National Junior Honor Society Induction Ceremony. She is receiving a nomination for the United States Military Academy.

Andrew J. Valkenburg, Easton, PA

Andrew J. Valkenburg is a senior at Notre Dame High School in Easton, PA and is the son of Jack and Charlene Valkenburg. He is an Honor Roll student and a member of several clubs, including the Future Business Leaders of America, the Key Club, and Student Council. Andrew also plays baseball and golf. Andrew is receiving the nomination for the United States Military Academy.

Kyle Walsh, Easton, PA

Kyle Walsh is a senior at Easton Area High School in Easton, PA. He is the son of Michael and Melissa Walsh. Kyle is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Council, and the High Honor Roll. Kyle is also a lacrosse captain and the Express Times Player of the Year. Kyle is receiving the nomination for the United States Naval Academy.

Shjon Watlington, Bethlehem, PA

Shjon Watlington is a senior at Freedom High School in Bethlehem, PA and is the son of Jay and Deborah Watlington. He is involved with the Swimming Team, Church Youth Group, and is on the High Honor Roll. Shjon is receiving the nomination for the United States Naval Academy.

Trevor J. Watlington, Bethlehem, PA

Trevor J. Watlington is a senior at Freedom High School in Bethlehem, PA. He is the son of Jay and Deborah Watlington. Trevor is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, and Debate Team. He also involved in cross country, track and field and swimming. Trevor is receiving the nomination for the United States Naval Academy.

 

Rep. Matt Cartwright represents Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District, which includes Schuylkill County and portions of Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, and Northampton Counties. Cartwright serves on the House Committee on Natural Resources and the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Thank you to Rep. Cartwright’s office for providing the information and images above.