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Hirono Announces Class of 2026 Nominees to the United States Service Academies

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) announced the nomination of 38 Hawaii students to U.S. military service academies for the Class of 2026. The academies now consider the students’ applications for final selections.

“Every year, I have the honor of nominating some of Hawaii’s top students to the military service academies,” Senator Hirono said. “I am proud to help expand opportunities for these talented young people who have shown a commitment to hard work, community engagement, academic excellence, a commitment to physical fitness and outstanding personal character. Each of these candidates, should they be selected, will be excellent representatives of and for Hawaii and our community.”

Today’s announcement includes Senator Hirono’s nominations for the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy uses a separate nomination process. Prospective students are measured on their scholastic achievement, leadership experience, school involvement, athletic and extra-curricular activities, community contributions, and volunteer or employment experiences. Nomination does not guarantee appointment.

The nominees are now considered by each academy’s director of admissions.

Senator Hirono’s Class of 2026 Academy Nominations are:

U.S. Air Force Academy

  • Connor Apo, Saint Louis School
  • Harley Ceberano, Punahou School
  • Caleb Chumley, Maui Preparatory Academy
  • Joshua Dutton, Punahou School
  • Tiffany Eddy, Yokota High School (DOD)
  • Franz Hafner, Waianae High School
  • Emma Layaoen, Punahou School
  • Megan Leong, Iolani School
  • Keala Pule, Saint Louis School
  • Gabrielle Smith, Punahou School

U.S. Military Academy at West Point

  • Canaan Cortes, Mother of Divine Grace School
  • Andrew Dolan-Lewis, Saint Louis School
  • Grant Garcia, Leilehua High School
  • Brennan Lee, Home School
  • Colby Macapagal, Waipahu High School
  • Daniel Matsunaka, Iolani School
  • Eryuki Paul, Roosevelt High School
  • Olivia Reed, St. Andrew’s Schools
  • Cecilia Rodriguez, Keaau High School
  • Jethro Thomas, Hawaii Baptist Academy

U.S. Naval Academy

  • Aiden Alexander, Campbell High School
  • Connor Apo, Saint Louis School
  • Caden Coffelt, Punahou School
  • Chay Cunningham, Maryknoll School
  • Joshua Dutton, Punahou School
  • Joshua Gleason, Pearl City High School
  • Franz Hafner, Waianae High School
  • Ethan Heidt, Kalaheo High School
  • Anabelle Hong, Iolani School
  • Michael Jagdon, Punahou School
  • Jason Kwak, Punahou School
  • Imiloa Lesher, Kamehameha Schools
  • Julia Mamiya, Punahou School
  • Jaden Pladera, Baldwin High School
  • Izaak Polecheck, Active Duty Navy
  • Evan Rau, Kamehameha Schools
  • Olivia Reed, St. Andrew’s Schools
  • Paris Stevenson, Kamehameha Schools
  • Thomas Tereschuk, Radford High School
  • Noah Zits, Kamehameha Schools

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

  • Grace Glenn, Hawaii Baptist Academy
  • Grant Juan, McKinley High School

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