CHARLESTON — U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) announced on Thursday his nominations for 34 West Virginia students to the U.S. service academies, including local student Jon Massile from Point Pleasant High School.

Manchin’s nominations included recommendations for the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and the Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point. Massile was nominated for the Air Force Academy.

“I am so honored to recommend 34 of our state’s brightest young men and women to the U.S. service academies,” Senator Manchin said in a release. “All of our students worked hard to earn these nominations and are determined to serve our country and some are striving to carry on their families’ proud military heritage as well. A nomination to one of these service academies is such an honor because these institutions are developing the next generation of military leaders.”

Other students recommended by Manchin were from the following counties: Berkeley, Brooke, Cabell, Doddridge, Grant, Harrison, Jefferson, Kanawha, Lewis, Marshall, Marion, Mingo, Monongalia, Ohio, Pocahontas, Putnam, Ritchie, Taylor, Wyoming and Wood.

“Our selection process was extensive, from grading students’ classroom performance to leadership abilities to their work in their communities,” Manchin added. “I am confident that these young men and women will make our state proud and as always, I wish these students the very best in their future endeavors.”

Other students recommended to the Air Force Academy are as follows: Ryan Graf, Jefferson High School; Quentin Buckley, Poca High School; Chris Unger, Langley High School; Andrew Bruffy, West Virginia University; Skyler Terrell, Parkersburg High School; Alex Brown, Martinsburg High School; Nick Marcum, Scott High School; Adam Pauley, Petersburg High School; David “Jonah” Sneeringer, Winfield High School.

Students recommended to the Military Academy at West Point include the following: Samantha Harris, Charleston Catholic High School; Katie Warner, University High School; Derek Hamman, Pocahontas High School; Kelsie Burns, Huntington High School; Sean Dennison, Home School, from Lewis County; Andrew Parker, Wiesbaden High School; Cameron Davis, Westside High School; William Mohr, Petersburg High School; Daniel Gaston, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, from Ritchie County; Michael Palkovic, West Virginia University.

Students recommended to the Naval Academy include the following: Joseph Gentile, Hedgesville High School; Caleb Moore, Doddridge County High School; Christian Smith, Home School, from Kanawha County; Luisa Holland, Jefferson High School; Mason Winkie, Bridgeport High School; Tyler Lucas, Tug Valley High School; Raymond Isner, Grafton High School; Forrest Welsh, WT Sampson High School; Jack DeVault, East Fairmont High School; Alec Buchmelter, Brooke High School.

Students recommended to the Merchant Marine Academy including the following: Caleb Barnette, George Washington High School; Charlie Hageboeck, George Washington High School; Kimberly Smith, Jefferson High School; Kyler Martin, Hedgesville High School.

It was also reported that Senator Manchin is recommending the students to the service academies and final admission is determined by the respective academy.