Rep. Harder Nominates 10 San Joaquin Students for Prestigious Military Academies

WASHINGTON– Rep. Josh Harder is proud to nominate ten San Joaquin County students for military academies this year. The ranks of students include a 2022 Cadet of the Year, student athlete stars, and an Air Force CyberPatriot award winner. Each student was chosen by a committee based on their leadership records and commitment to service. Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. 

“I am constantly inspired by our students’ achievements and dedication to service,” said Rep. Josh Harder. “It’s one of the highest honors of my job to nominate a class of students to represent San Joaquin County at the best military academies in the world. We’re in good hands.”

This year’s list of military academies nominees includes:

Hailey Gayler, Manteca, CA, East Union High School, California Girls state delegate, JROTC Commander of Raider Team, Drill Team member, Academic Team Commander, and Cadet of the Year 2022

Keziah Vibieda, Riverbank, CA, Enochs High School, President of Key Club, Naval Academy Steam Program student, Air Force Association CyberPatriot XIV award winner, Founder of Enochs High School Math Club, Varsity swimmer, and blue belt in Korean Karate.

Thomas Metge, Tracy, CA, Tracy High School, Waterpolo and Track athlete, Eagle Scout, first chair violinist, and currently working to get his pilot’s license.

A nomination is an opportunity to be considered by a Service Academy for admission for a tuition-free college education and more from one of four world-class institutions. Cadets or Midshipmen become commissioned officers with jump start on rewarding careers and a five-year service obligation.

A few students in this year’s class were nominated for appointment at multiple academies. 

List of Nominees:

West Point Nominations

1. Ethan James Wood, Turlock CA, Turlock High School 
2. Hailey Gayler, Manteca, CA, East Union High School

Naval Academy 

1. Kaydence Beasley Pound, Modesto, CA, Graduate 
2. Keziah Vibieda, Riverbank, CA, Enochs High School
3. Ethan James Wood
4. Julie Ann McGinnis, Turlock, CA, Turlock High School 
5. Mateo Espinoza, Tracy, CA, Tracy High School
6. Kaiyah Little, Manteca, CA, Manteca High School 

Air Force Academy 

1. Keziah Vibieda
2. Thomas Metge, Tracy, CA, Tracy High School
3. Ethan James Wood
4. Trey Fasani, Ripon, CA, Ripon Christian High School 
5. Hailey Gayler
6. Julie Ann McGinnis
7. Christopher Gabriel Rodriguez-Zanuto, Tracy, CA, Merrill F West High School 

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