Hoeven Nominates Four Students to U.S. Military Academies Class of 2029

BISMARCK, N.D. - Senator John Hoeven announced today that he has nominated four North Dakota students for appointments to the U.S. military academies. Hoeven nominated Jordan Peters and Easton Lovelace of Grand Forks to the U.S. Naval Academy, Maximilian Sornsin of Fargo to the U.S. Air Force Academy, and Jonas Kuhn of Cavalier to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

“Jordan, Easton, Maximilian, and Jonas will do an outstanding job representing our state and nation as they have displayed the attributes, character and educational accomplishments needed to earn these nominations,” said Hoeven. “North Dakota has a strong history of military service, and we are proud to nominate these four talented students from our state to our nation’s exceptional military academies. We wish them the best of luck in their endeavor to serve our country.”

Students applying for military academies are required to receive a Congressional nomination as part of the application process. These four 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:

Jordan Peters, Grand Forks - U.S. Naval Academy

Jordan Peters is the son of Marcus and Amy Peters and is a senior at Red River High School. He scored a 30 on his ACT test. Jordan was involved in soccer, golf, student council, Red River High School Leadership Council, National Honor Society, prom committee and JROTC. In Jordan’s community, he participated in the youth soccer program, church youth group and was a special Olympics volunteer. His hobbies include mountain biking, skiing, wakeboarding, aviation, space exploration and research.

Easton Lovelace, Grand Forks - U.S. Naval Academy

Easton Lovelace is the son of Paul and Lindsey Lovelace and is a senior at Thompson High School. He ranks #7 in his class of 36. Easton’s involvement includes football, track and field, basketball, student council, National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, concert band and student leadership council. He was involved in his community through assisting with community clean up, food bank collection, custodial services and construction labor. His hobbies include fishing, hunting, flight school, snowboarding, hiking, travel, camping and sporting events.

Maximilian Sornsin, Fargo - U.S. Air Force Academy

Maximilian “Max” Sornsin will graduate from Shanley High School in May of 2025. He is the son of Mark and Denise Sornsin. Max scored a 35 on his ACT test. He is #1 in his class of 74 at Shanley High School in Fargo. His high school involvement includes football, weightlifting, track and field, student council, student ambassadors, band and theater. He participated in Metro Area Student Ambassadors, was a camp counselor at Trinity Youth Camp, serves as an alter server in his church and volunteers for the church as well. He is involved in ND Know Your State and interested in Vexillology and Cooking.

Jonas Kuhn, Cavalier - West Point

Jonas Kuhn is a senior at Cavalier High School and will graduate in the spring. He is the son of Eric and Tracy Kuhn. Jonas scored a 30 on his ACT test and is ranked #5 in his class of 25 at Cavalier High. His school activities include Varsity Football, Varsity Hockey, North Stars Youth Hockey, Vice-President of his senior class, Science Olympiad, Academic Olympics, and National Honor Society. Jonas went on a high school trip to Ireland, Scotland and Spain in the summer of 2024. He was employed with the ND Parks and Recreation at Icelandic State Park for the last two summers. His hobbies include sports, exercise, kayaking, hunting and video games.

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