Norcross names military academy nominees

Congressman Donald Norcross has announced his 2026 nominees for the U.S. service academies. 

“Every year, I’m inspired by the young people in New Jersey who step forward ready to serve our nation,” he said. “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 who want to attend the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, 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 congress member. The 19 nominees for this year were selected by Norcross and a committee of community leaders, veterans, and service academy alumni.

Nominated students include:

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