11.10.20

Hoeven Nominates Five North Dakota Students to Military Academies

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today announced that he has nominated five North Dakota students for appointments to the nation’s military academies. Hoeven nominated Luke Gasper of Bismarck Century High School to the U.S. Military Academy (West Point); Marissa Shea of Bismarck St. Mary’s High School to West Point, Camden Larsen of Grand Forks Red River High School to the U.S. Air Force Academy; Ieree Lundin of Bismarck Century High School to the U.S. Naval Academy; and Rebecca VanVleet of Fargo North High School to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

“North Dakota has a strong military history, and it is an honor to nominate talented young men and women from North Dakota to our nation’s military academies,” said Hoeven. “Luke, Marissa, Camden, Ieree and Rebecca the attributes, character and educational attainment needed to earn these nominations and will represent our state and nation well. We wish them the best of luck and thank them for their bravery and courage to serve our country.”

Students applying for military academies are required to receive a Congressional nomination as part of the application process. These five students have now fulfilled that requirement and their names will be submitted to the respective academies. Each service academy admission board will determine final appointments. Those appointed receive a scholarship and military appointment and must serve in the military for at least five years upon graduation. Information on the students Hoeven nominated for academy appointments follows:

Luke Gasper, Bismarck – West Point

Luke is a senior at Bismarck Century High School where he holds a 3.87 GPA. The son of Francis and Sabina Gasper, Luke is active in the National Honor Society, cross country, hockey, track, and concert and jazz band. Luke is enrolled in six Advanced Placement (AP) courses and recently participated in the U.S. Naval Academy Summer STEM Program. Click here for a photo.

Marissa Shea, Bismarck – West Point

Marissa graduated from Bismarck St. Mary’s High School with a 3.99 GPA and is currently enrolled in Northwestern Preparatory School. The daughter of Patrick and Vienna Shea, Marissa was enrolled in six AP courses and participated in the National Honor Society, Civil Air Patrol, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Saints for Life, hockey and volleyball. Click here for a photo.          

Camden Larsen, Grand Forks – U.S. Air Force Academy

Camden is a senior at Grand Forks Red River High school where he holds a 4.2 GPA. The son of Bradley and Margo Larsen, Camden is an Eagle Scout and involved in Student Council, DECA, the FEMA Youth Council, Science and Engineering Fair, Substance Abuse Prevention and Law Enforcement training. Camden serves as a referee for the ND Soccer League. Click here for a photo.

Ieree Lundin, Bismarck – U.S. Naval Academy

Ieree is a senior at Bismarck Century High School where she holds a 3.9 GPA. The daughter of Steve and Melissa Lundin, Ieree is involved in track and field, Student Council and the National Honor Society. She is a two-time national dance champion and serves as North Dakota DECA vice president and volunteers with United Way and her church.Click here for a photo.

Rebecca VanVleet, Fargo – U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

Rebecca is a senior at Fargo North High School where she holds a 4.16 GPA. The daughter of James and Melissa VanVleet, Rebecca is involved in the Air Force ROTC Flight Commander and PT Competitive Team and the 4-H Air Rifle Team. She is an active volunteer in her community and church. Click here for a photo.

Individuals interested in applying for a military academy nomination for academic year 2021-2022 should apply by October 2021. Additional information on service academy nominations is available on Senator Hoeven’s website.

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