5 York County teens receive appointment to service academies

Five area high school students are among 48 across the state to receive appointment to U.S. Military service academies by U.S. Senator Tim Scott.

Caitlin Bowman of Clover High School, Clayton Pratt of Fort Mill High School and John Slavens of Clover High School received appointments to the U.S. Naval Academy.

Daniel Schell of Fort Mill High School earned an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Devin Fiorenza of Fort Mill High School has received an appoint to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

“I am extremely proud to nominate 48 South Carolina students for admission to U.S. Military Service Academies,” Scott said. “Since shortly after the founding of our great nation, our academies have produced some of the best and brightest military leaders in the world and provided a world-class education for their students.”

To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, applicants must be nominated by a Member of Congress or other authorized nominating source. However, final admission is determined by the respective academy.

To be considered for a nomination from Senator Scott, students were required to submit an application, SAT/ACT scores, high school transcripts, and three letters of recommendation. Each candidate was then interviewed by community and business leaders and distinguished members of the military, including many alumni of one of the service academies.