May 23, 2020

Dear Friend,

The coronavirus pandemic put a stop to most traditional ceremonies and celebrations, making 2020 a year to remember. In the face of this disruption to our way of life, Mississippians have forged ahead with unique and special ways to recognize high school and college graduations. I am proud of each and every graduate, grateful for their hard work and determination to achieve this pivotal goal. As our graduates prepare to embark on their next phase in life's journey, I want to reflect on the words of President George H.W. Bush's commencement address, delivered on the Mississippi State University campus in 1989. Before an audience of 20,000 and while sharing the stage with Congressman G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery, President Bush said, "May your future be worthy of your dreams."

As your Representative, it is my privilege to help young people achieve their dreams to serve as an officer in the U.S. Armed Forces. This pursuit begins with an appointment to one of America's prestigious military academies. This year, I was pleased to nominate outstanding students who are being featured in this week's newsletter. For more information about our Service Academy nomination's please contact Robert.Smith@mail.house.gov or click on the link.

Mason bay

Lafayette High School Valedictorian Mason Bay has received an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Mason comes from a long line of family members who have worn the uniform, including his great-grandfather, grandfather, father, and brother. He plans to pursue a Space Science degree which is a new field of study at the Academy. He said it will be exciting to be a member of the first class to graduate with this degree. Upon graduation, Mason will serve as an officer in the U.S. Army. "I am eager to serve America as an aviator," Mason said. "This is a dream that has come true for me."

clay cromwell

Clay Cromwell, son of Doug and Mylene Cromwell, will be attending the U.S. Naval Academy. Clay, an Oxford High School graduate, will be playing football for the U.S. Navy Midshipmen football team. Clay is the first member of his family to attend a Service Academy. He is interested in the study of oceanography. Upon graduation, he hopes to serve as a Marine Corps Infantry Officer. "I want to follow in the footsteps of my father who also served as a Marine Corps Infantry Officer," Clay said. "I am very excited to be nominated by Congressman Kelly. I know it is pretty rare. I know there will be great people at the U.S. Naval Academy who will become the leaders of our Nation. I hope to be one of them."

Ravin Chittom

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Ravin Chittom to the United States Air Force Academy. Ravin, son of Daniel and Laurie Chittom, is a native of Booneville, Mississippi. Throughout his time in the Booneville Public School District, Ravin has distinguished himself by making excellent grades while participating in numerous extracurricular activities. He is a Cadet Lieutenant Colonel in the Civil Air Patrol. Ravin serves as the Cadet Squadron Commander, Eagle Composite Squadron in Tupelo. He teaches cadets aerospace education, leadership, drill, and assists with character development lessons. Ravin has taken a leadership role with the Boys and Girls Club of Booneville/Prentiss County. "There are so many opportunities for those who major in aerospace engineering," Ravin said. "I am extremely excited that I have been been given the opportunity to attend the Air Force Academy."

jacob greenwood

Jacob Greenwood, son of Roosevelt and Shay Greenwood, will be playing football for the U.S. Navy Midshipmen football team. He has been playing football since he was eight years old. He has achieved awards for his studies as well as in athletics. He is a member of the National Honor Society and achieved honor role throughout high school. Jacob's awards include a Citizenship Award for character and integrity. Jacob has been active at his church by assisting with the care for special needs youth during services. He is looking forward to pursuing a degree in History. "Military service is a tradition in our family," Jacob said. "My dad was in the U.S. Army Reserves. I look forward to this exciting opportunity."

Bob Leake

Bob Leake, a Tupelo High School graduate, is among the hundreds of students who have participated in my annual Academy Day. I am pleased to announce his appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. Bob, son of Lindsey and Tracy Leake, plans to major in aerospace engineering. His goal is to become a U.S. Navy aviator. Bob will be the first member of his family to attend a Service Academy. "I started thinking about serving as an officer in the U.S. Navy when I was in the tenth grade," Bob said. "Rep. Kelly's Academy Day really helped me formulate a plan of action to achieve this appointment."

john michael meagher

Oxford High School graduate John Michael Meagher has received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy. He plans to major in chemical or electrical engineering. John said it has always been a dream of his to serve as an aviator in the U.S. Armed Forces - following in the footsteps of his grandfather and father. John has an outstanding academic record and a great history of community service. He has also excelled in athletics - especially football. Expect to see him on the field as a new member of the U.S. Naval Academy Midshipmen football team!

Brooks anne milligan

Brooks Anne Milligan, a Corinth High School graduate, has been appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy. Brooks Anne ranked 4th in her class of 158, speaks fluent Spanish, and served as the Corinth High School Tennis Team Captain. She has demonstrated outstanding leadership skills in her community which includes numerous public service projects. She is the leader and founder of the Boys Scouts of America All Female Venturing Crew for 2020. Additionally, Brooks Anne has been a member of the Mayor's Youth Council for five years. Recently, she was notified of her appointment by Robert Smith, our military academy liaison in the First District. "I teared up with relief and excitement," Brooks Anne said. "I called my family and there were happy tears all around!"

elijah tucker

It is my pleasure to announce the appointment of Elijah Tucker to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Elijah, the son of Pat and Suzanne Tucker, is an outstanding young man who has achieved success in the classroom and well beyond. He is a 2019 Corinth High School graduate where he maintained an excellent GPA. Elijah is a fantastic athlete who has served as a team captain for Corinth High School's baseball, football, tennis, and powerlifting teams.

Elijah is a student cadet at Marion Military Institution, one of only four military junior colleges in America. Through his studies at MMI, Elijah has focused on developing leadership skills. On June 29, Elijah will report to West Point. "God is good," Elijah said. "He has blessed me and I am thankful."

STAY IN TOUCH

Let me know if there is anything my office can do to assist you. You can keep up with the latest news by signing up for my newsletter and following me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for reading,

Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Member of Congress