{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-announces-nominations-to-us-service-academies-for-2025-2026-school-year", "Rounds Announces Nominations to U.S. Service Academies for 2025-2026 School Year", "2024-12-23", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "Mike Rounds", "R000605", "www.rounds.senate.gov", "rounds", "https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) announced that he has nominated students for appointments to the nation\u2019s service academies.\n\nRounds nominated Brody Weinmeister of Aberdeen as his principal nominee to the U.S. Naval Academy, Rowdy Baldwin of Pierre as his principal nominee to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and Hollie Wise of Spearfish as his principal nominee to the U.S. Air Force Academy.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s an honor to nominate our nation\u2019s future military leaders to U.S. service academies,\u201d said Rounds. \u201cThe U.S. service academies are among the most elite educational institutions in the world. After receiving a top-notch education, these South Dakotans will serve our country as active-duty military members. We\u2019re proud of these students and their desire to answer the call of duty to serve our nation. All of South Dakota is behind them every step of the way as they continue their education, serve their country and go into their careers with the U.S. military.\u201d\n\nBrody Weinmeister of Aberdeen\u2013 Principal Nominee, U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis)\n\nBrody is the son of Robert and Stacey Weinmeister of Aberdeen, South Dakota. Brody is currently a senior at Aberdeen Roncalli High School, where he serves as captain of the varsity football team, plays varsity basketball and participates in student council. Brody helped establish the 7th Grade Mentor Program and the 5th Grade Lunch Program at Roncalli. Through the 5th Grade Lunch Program, high school students attend lunch with 5th graders at the elementary school to help younger students build relationships with upperclassmen and feel less nervous about moving up to the high school building when they enter sixth grade. Brody is a National Honor Society member and currently holds a 3.9 GPA.\n\n\u201cI am committed to upholding the values of integrity, discipline, and leadership that the United States Naval Academy instills in its midshipmen,\u201d said Weinmeister. \u201cThis nomination represents not only an incredible opportunity but also a responsibility to serve with honor and dedication. I am excited for the challenges and experiences ahead, and I look forward to contributing to the legacy of excellence at the Naval Academy. I\u2019d like to thank my teachers and family for all they have done for me during this journey. I would like to thank Senator Mike Rounds for his confidence in me, and I am eager to begin this next chapter in my journey to serve our great nation.\u201d\n\nRowdy Baldwin of Pierre \u2013 Principal Nominee, U.S. Military Academy (West Point)\n\nRowdy is the son of Jason and Diedra Baldwin of Pierre, South Dakota. Rowdy competes in trap shooting, 5-Stand, 4-H Archery and skeet shooting. Rowdy spends a significant amount of his time tackling a variety of jobs and helping around the community. Rowdy also volunteers with Feeding South Dakota, volunteers with kids\u2019 trap shooting and tutors foreign exchange and local students. Rowdy is a member of National Honor Society and currently holds a 4.0 GPA.\n\n\u201cI'm profoundly excited and grateful to receive a nomination to the United States Military Academy at West Point from Senator Mike Rounds,\u201d said Baldwin. \u201cThe academy has been my goal and dream for the last 2 years, and I have been both pushed and helped by my friends and family to achieve this astounding honor. I deeply appreciate everyone around me who's helped me to work hard and reach my dreams, and I can't wait to be able to represent my family, community, and country. Beat Navy!\u201d\n\nHollie Wise of Spearfish \u2013 Principal Nominee, U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs)\n\nHollie is the daughter of James and Sharilyn Wise of Spearfish, South Dakota. Hollie is currently a senior at Spearfish High School, where she is Vice President of the student council and participates in speech and debate, as well as varsity soccer. Hollie volunteers at her local church and as a peer academic tutor. Hollie is President of her National Honor Society chapter and currently holds a 4.0 GPA.\n\n\u201cI am beyond grateful to receive Senator Mike Rounds\u2019 principal nomination to the United States Air Force Academy,\u201d said Wise. \u201cThis incredible opportunity would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my family, the inspiration and guidance of my teachers, and the encouragement of my friends. Most importantly, I give all glory to God, whose strength and faithfulness have brought me to this moment. Receiving this nomination has deepened my desire to attend the Academy, where I can contribute to something greater than myself.\u201d\n\nIn addition to principal nominees, Rounds may send up to 14 competitive nominees per academy for consideration by that academy. Each service academy admission board gives full and fair consideration to these nominees and will determine final appointments. Rounds has selected the students listed below to receive a competitive nomination.\n\nTwo students, Lexi Brandt of Hill City (U.S. Naval Academy) and Joseph Juenger of Rapid City (U.S. Military Academy), received Letters of Assurance from their respective academies. A Letter of Assurance is a conditional offer of admission from the academy, dependent on the applicant receiving a nomination from a member of their Congressional delegation, as well as passing their medical and fitness screenings. Letters of Assurance are relatively rare and reflect a high level of confidence in the applicant's potential to succeed and contribute to the academy.\n\nLexi Brandt of Hill City \u2013 Competitive Nominee with Letter of Assurance, U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis)\n\nLexi is the daughter of Coni and Scott Brandt of Hill City, South Dakota. Lexi is a senior at Hill City High School, where she serves as President of the Student Council and Vice President of State Student Council. Lexi volunteers with the Humane Society and Children\u2019s Miracle Network. Lexi serves as President of her National Honor Society chapter and currently holds a 4.0 GPA.\n\n\u201cI am deeply honored to receive Senator Mike Rounds' nomination to the United States Naval Academy,\u201d said Brandt. \u201cServing my country has been a dream of mine since middle school, and this milestone would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my family, friends, and teachers. I am eager to begin this journey, knowing it will be both challenging and incredibly rewarding. The Naval Academy will shape me into a leader of character and prepare me to serve with honor and dedication as an officer in the United States Navy.\u201d\n\nJoseph Juenger of Rapid City \u2013 Competitive Nominee with Letter of Assurance, U.S. Military Academy (West Point)\n\nJoseph is the son of Julie and Joseph Juenger of Rapid City, South Dakota. Joseph is a senior at Rapid City Stevens High School, where he serves as a captain of the varsity wrestling team and on the varsity soccer leadership team. Joseph was also a State Delegate to American Legion Boys Nation. Joseph serves as a youth wrestling coach and referee. Joseph is a member of National Honor Society and currently holds a 3.8 GPA.\n\n\u201cI am deeply grateful to receive Senator Mike Rounds' nomination to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point,\u201d said Juenger. \u201cI have worked hard toward this dream, but I know this opportunity and achievement is the result of support from our extraordinary community of families, teachers, coaches, friends, and veterans. I pledge to pay my gratitude forward by tirelessly serving and protecting our communities and country, now and for the next generation.\u201d\n\nU.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis)\n\nBrody Weinmeister of Aberdeen \u2013 Principal\n\nLexi Brandt of Hill City - Competitive with Letter of Assurance\n\nCooper Deatherage of Brookings - Competitive\n\nAubrey Fraasch of Milbank - Competitive\n\nDylan Frank of Custer \u2013 Competitive\n\nTarrent Frye of Sioux Falls - Competitive\n\nWilliam Hanzlik of Chamberlain \u2013 Competitive\n\nAaron Letner of Rapid City - Competitive\n\nTalan Lunders of Aberdeen - Competitive\n\nLincoln Mansfield of Hurley - Competitive\n\nAlex Newman of Sioux Falls \u2013 Competitive\n\nAbigail Nichols of Pierre \u2013 Competitive\n\nGabriel Reeve of Piedmont - Competitive\n\nMaverick Sutton of Ellsworth AFB, SD - Competitive\n\nPaige Willnerd of Summerset - Competitive\n\nU.S. Military Academy (West Point)\n\nRowdy Baldwin of Pierre \u2013 Principal\n\nCooper Deatherage of Brookings - Competitive\n\nTrey Dunse of Webster \u2013 Competitive\n\nTarrent Frye of Sioux Falls - Competitive\n\nJoseph Juenger of Rapid City - Competitive with Letter of Assurance\n\nLincoln Mansfield of Hurley - Competitive\n\nAlex Newman of Sioux Falls \u2013 Competitive\n\nAbigail Nichols of Pierre - Competitive\n\nGabriel Reeve of Piedmont - Competitive\n\nMaverick Sutton of Ellsworth AFB, SD \u2013 Competitive\n\nTaylor Wenzlaff of Yankton - Competitive\n\nPaige Willnerd of Summerset - Competitive\n\nU.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs)\n\nHollie Wise of Spearfish \u2013 Principal\n\nMax Cook of Gregory - Competitive\n\nTrey Dunse of Webster \u2013 Competitive\n\nTarrent Frye of Sioux Falls \u2013 Competitive\n\nWilliam Hanzlik of Chamberlain \u2013 Competitive\n\nKendra Hoffmann of Sioux Falls - Competitive\n\nAaron Letner of Rapid City - Competitive\n\nTalan Lunders of Rapid City \u2013 Competitive\n\nLincoln Mansfield of Hurley - Competitive\n\nKane Murphy of Dell Rapids - Competitive\n\nAlex Newman of Sioux Falls - Competitive\n\nGabriel Reeve of Piedmont - Competitive\n\nMaverick Sutton of Ellsworth AFB, SD - Competitive\n\nBrody Weinmeister of Aberdeen - Competitive\n\nPaige Willnerd of Summerset - Competitive\n\nU.S. Merchant Marines Academy (Kings Point)\n\nTarrent Frye of Sioux Falls - Competitive\n\nAbigail Nichols of Pierre - Competitive\n\nMaverick Sutton of Ellsworth AFB, SD - Competitive\n\nPaige Willnerd of Summerset - Competitive\n\nStudents interested in attending a service academy go through a rigorous application process. Because the academies are highly competitive, students must meet eligibility requirements in leadership, physical fitness, character and academics. The young people joining the military directly from the academies are among the highest caliber our country has to offer, which is a result of the challenging training and education they received at the academies. Students applying for academies are required to receive a Congressional nomination as part of the application process. Those appointed receive a scholarship and military appointment and are required to serve in the military for at least five years upon graduation.\n\nIndividuals interested in applying for a service academy nomination for academic year 2026-2027 (Class of 2030) should apply by October 1, 2025. Questions about the academy nomination application process can be directed to Rounds\u2019 Rapid City office by calling (605) 343-5035 or by emailing Academy_Nominations@rounds.senate.gov.\n\nAn informational packet and the application packet can be found on Rounds\u2019 website at https://www.rounds.senate.gov/constituents/academy-nominations.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-announces-nominations-to-us-service-academies-for-2025-2026-school-year"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 2.1048649214208126, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}