WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congressman Donald Norcross, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee and father of a veteran, announced and congratulated his 2026 congressional nominees for the United States service academies. 

“Every year, I’m inspired by the young people in New Jersey who step forward ready to serve our nation,” said Congressman Norcross. “Our nominees have demonstrated the character, discipline, and leadership our nation’s service academies demand. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the father of a veteran, I do not take this responsibility lightly. To our nominees’ parents, thank you for raising leaders ready to answer the call to serve.”

Students wishing to attend the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, or the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy must receive a nomination from the Vice President or their U.S. Senator or Representative. This year, 19 students were selected by Congressman Norcross and a committee comprised of community leaders, veterans, and service academy alumni to receive nominations to the service academies.

Students interested in attending a service academy can learn more on Congressman Norcross’s website.

Students Nominated by Congressman Norcross in 2026 (alphabetically ordered):

• Zachary Bader, Waterford Township, St. Augustine Preparatory School, nominated to the United States Air Force Academy.
• Casey Birdwell, Haddon Township, Haddon Township High School, nominated to the United States Naval Academy.
• Alexander Bovio, Williamstown, Williamstown High School, nominated to the United States Naval Academy.
• Abigail Caraballo, Haddon Heights, Haddon Heights High School, nominated to the United States Naval Academy.
• Jullian Checchia, Gloucester Township, Camden County College, nominated to the United States Air Force Academy.
• Andrew Coyne, Harrington Park, Bergen Catholic High School, nominated to the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
• Andrew Dozier, Southampton, Dwight Global Online High School, nominated to the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
• Salvatore Fife, Westville, West Deptford High School, nominated to the United States Naval Academy and the United States Military Academy at West Point.
• Michael Gasiorowski, Haddon Township, Haddon Township High School, nominated to the United States Naval Academy.
• Julian Hollis, Sicklerville, Camden County Technical School, nominated to the United States Military Academy at West Point.
• Isaac Kim, Voorhees, Eastern Regional High School, nominated to the United States Naval Academy and the United States Military Academy at West Point.
• Tyler Le, Pennsauken, Pennsauken High School, nominated to the United States Naval Academy.
• Maximo Maletta, Washington Township, Washington Township High School, nominated to the United States Military Academy at West Point.
• Jack Olivo, Turnersville, St. Augustine Preparatory School, nominated to the United States Military Academy at West Point.
• Ethan Poplawski, Franklin, Pope John XXIII High School, nominated to the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
• Samuel Spaulding, Runnemede, Camden Catholic High School, nominated to the United States Naval Academy.
• Michael Stanwood, Pitman, Gloucester County Institute of Technology, nominated to the United States Military Academy at West Point.
• Madison Ver Hage, Paramus, Paramus High School, nominated to the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
• Isaac Wadusky, Woodbury, Gloucester County Institute of Technology, nominated to the United States Naval Academy.

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