Kelly, Trent RSS Articles

Congressman Kelly Announces Service Academy Appointment

Tue, 12 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Trent Kelly is proud to announce the appointment of Karter Vahle, of Oxford, Mississippi, to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

Each year, members of Congress may nominate candidates to the U.S. service academies. These institutions prepare young men and women to become leaders in the U.S. Armed Forces while receiving a top-tier education.

Karter has distinguished himself as a dedicated student and leader at Oxford High School. He serves as a Captain in MCROTC and has held the role of Company Commanding Officer since last spring. His leadership and commitment have earned him numerous honors, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars Bronze Medal, the Navy League Youth Medal, and the Raider Nationals Achievement Medal. He also serves as President of DECA, Vice President of Phi Theta Kappa, and held leadership roles at Boys State, including positions in the Federalist Party Executive and House of Representatives.

Academically, Karter has excelled through rigorous coursework, including multiple dual credit classes, and has earned strong standardized test scores and several academic awards. In May 2026, he is expected to graduate from both Oxford High School and Northwest Mississippi Community College, where he will earn an Associate of Arts degree in Criminal Justice.

Beyond the classroom, Karter is actively involved in athletics and extracurricular activities. He competes on the Oxford High School Cross Country and Archery teams and has contributed to MCJROTC through the drill team, color guard, and raider team. He has also demonstrated a strong commitment to service, completing 143 hours of community service.

Karter's achievements reflect his dedication to excellence and leadership. He has been recognized as a Boys State delegate and National Honor Society member and has completed several prestigious programs, including the Air Force Academy Summer Seminar (Session C), the Naval Academy Summer Seminar (Session 2), the MCJROTC Senior Leadership Course, and the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce Junior Leadership Course.

"I would like to commission into the United States Marine Corps and be a fixed wing pilot," Karter said. "I am most excited for the opportunity to learn from others, to better my leadership skills, and to get stronger mentally and physically."

For more information about the Service Academy nomination process through our office, visit trentkelly.house.gov.

Congressman Kelly Announces Service Academy Appointment

Tue, 12 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Trent Kelly is proud to announce the appointment of Noel "Trice" McMichael III, of Shannon, Mississippi, to the United States Naval Academy.

Each year, members of Congress may nominate candidates to the U.S. service academies. These institutions prepare young men and women to become leaders in the U.S. Armed Forces while receiving a top-tier education.

Trice is a dedicated and high-achieving student at the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science (MSMS), where he maintains a 4.0 GPA and was a member of the 2024 NEMBDA Honors Band. Prior to attending MSMS, he attended South Pontotoc High School, where he was a member of the National Beta Club and earned several top academic awards.

In addition to his academic success, Trice has excelled in martial arts, earning honors including Innovative Martial Arts Systems Top Ten recognition and the title of First Martial Arts National Champion. His commitment to the sport extends beyond competition, as he has volunteered as a judge for First Martial Arts and served as an event supervisor for Spark Submission Sports.

Trice is also known for his strong work ethic and hands-on experience. He has worked several years as an assistant plumber alongside his father and has pursued research opportunities in science and technology. He served as a lab technician and research student for ARISE at the University of Mississippi and conducted research for Tales from the Crypt at MSMS.

"I am most excited about the classes," said Trice. "At MSMS, our teachers are great and so is the curriculum, but I know the Naval Academy is a completely different level. Right now, I wish to major in Foreign Area Studies, specializing in Russian."

For more information about the Service Academy nomination process through our office, visit trentkelly.house.gov.

Congressman Kelly Announces Service Academy Appointment

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Trent Kelly is proud to announce the appointment of Jonah Uithoven of Belden, Mississippi, to the United States Air Force Academy.

Each Year, members of Congress may nominate candidates to the U.S. service academies. These institutions prepare young men and women to become leaders in the U.S. Armed Forces while receiving a top-tier education.

Jonah Uithoven is a dedicated student leader and freshman at Marion Military Institute. During his time there, he was named Outstanding Recruit of the Cycle, earned a direct promotion to Staff Sergeant, served in a squad leadership role, and was selected for the Honor Council.

Prior to MMI, Jonah demonstrated exceptional leadership at North Pontotoc High School, where he served as Student Council President, BETA President, Class of 2025 Student Body President, and a member of the Student Leadership Team. He is also a multi-sport athlete, competing in wrestling, archery, and football, where he served as team captain.

Jonah has been actively engaged in service opportunities, including Mississippi Boys State (Senate Appointee and State City Adviser), Night to Shine volunteer work, participation in the U.S. Air Force Academy Summer Seminar, student guide for the Special Olympics, and involvement with SALT volunteer programs.

In recognition of his academic excellence, he has earned distinctions including Special Honors Graduate, the Superintendent's Award, Distinguished Academic Endorsement, Scholar-Athlete honors, and the ACT Silver Medal.

"I was inspired to pursue a Service Academy Appointment by my dream to fly and fight for the greatest country in the world," Jonah said. "I am most excited to be joining a great group of people, a great culture, and a heritage that will be behind me for the rest of my life."

For more information about the Service Academy nomination process through our office, visit trentkelly.house.gov.

Kelly Announces First Congressional District Art Competition Winners

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Trent Kelly is proud to announce Abigail Presley as the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Mississippi’s First Congressional District.

Presley, a junior at Corinth High School, earned this honor for her watercolor painting titled “Legacy.” Her art teacher is Jennifer LeGoff at Corinth High School. She is the daughter of Edward and Michelle Presley.

"Military service is a big part of our family's life," Presley said. "I appreciate this recognition for my family and my artwork."

"I could tell she was immensely talented from the first time I saw her work," LeGoff said. "She has come into her own and gained so much confidence."

The Congressional Art Competition is an annual event that highlights and encourages the creative talents of high school students across the country, with one winner selected from each congressional district. Presley’s artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year, and she will receive two airline tickets to attend the national awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., this summer.

2nd Place: Isabella Hancock, Hernando, MS – Acrylic painting titled “King of the Jungle”
3rd Place: Carley Foster, Booneville High School – Acrylic painting titled “Luke 16:10”
4th Place: Hannah Horton, New Albany High School – Acrylic painting titled “Dance With Me?”
5th Place: Aylin Hernandez, Corinth High School – Artwork titled “Sophia’s First”
5th Place: Isaac Snodgrass, Alcorn Central High School – Pencil drawing titled “Best Friend”

Congressman Kelly Announces Service Academy Appointment

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Trent Kelly is proud to announce the appointment of Elizabeth (Ellie) Grehan of Hernando, Mississippi, to the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Each year, members of Congress may nominate candidates to the U.S. service academies. These institutions prepare young men and women to become leaders in the U.S. Armed Forces while receiving a top-tier education.

Ellie is a dedicated student-athlete who has excelled academically throughout her high school career. She is a student at Hernando High School, where she has maintained a 4.0+ GPA across all four years while earning outstanding standardized testing scores.

She is also an accomplished multi-sport athlete competing on the Hernando High School junior varsity basketball team, junior varsity cross country team, and varsity track and field, where she qualified for state regionals.

Ellie's leadership is reflected through her extracurricular involvement and community engagement. She serves as Director of Communications for the Hernando Mayor's Youth Council and works as an umpire and game clock operator for Hernando Park and Recreation.

Congressman Kelly Announces Service Academy Appointment

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Trent Kelly is proud to announce the appointment of Shaw Prewitt of Shannon, Mississippi, to the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Each year, members of Congress may nominate candidate to the U.S. service academies. These institutions prepare young men and women to become leaders in the U.S. Armed Forces while receiving a top-tier education.

Shaw Prewitt has distinguished himself as an exceptional scholar, athlete, and servant leader. He attended South Pontotoc High School from 2022 to 2024 and currently attends the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science, where he continues to excel in Advanced Placement and dual-credit coursework.

An accomplished athlete, Shaw is trained in mixed martial arts and competed in wrestling, powerlifting, and football at South Pontotoc High School. At the Mississippi School for Math and Science, he founded the school's wrestling team and serves as captain.

Shaw's leadership extends well beyond the classroom and athletic field. He has served as Honorary President of the Mississippi State Society Children of the American Revolution, County Representative of American Legion Boys State, and Historian of the Indigenous Student Alliance. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout with Boys Scout of America Troop 12 and has served as Mississippi Senate Page for Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hoseman, as well as a U.S. Senate Page in Washington, D.C., for Senator Roger Wicker.

Committed to serving his community, Shaw has volunteered through his Eagle Scout Project, "Beds for Kids," the MSMS Volunteer Service Program, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, "Tales from the Crypt," and St. James Catholic Church, where he is a member of the Lift Teen Youth Group, among many other service initiatives.

Congressman Kelly Announces Service Academy Appointment

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Trent Kelly is proud to announce the appointment of Cyrus Flaherty of Tupelo, Mississippi, to the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Each year, members of Congress may nominate candidates to the U.S. service academies. These institutions prepare young men and women to become leaders in the U.S. Armed Forces while receiving a top-tier education.

Cyrus is an outstanding student leader at Tupelo High School, where he has demonstrated academic excellence and sustained achievement. He is a member of the National Honor Society, a Rotary Scholar, and has earned a placement on the Superintendent's List consecutively since 2014.

A committed leader, Cyrus has been actively involved in Tupelo High School JRTOC since 2021 and is completing his fourth year as a cadet. He currently serves as Cadet Major and Staff Officer, overseeing program operations and cadet training. In addition, he serves as a Teenage Republican Officer, is a Golden Wave Varsity Football manager, and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout with Scouting America Troop 85.

Cyrus's dedication to service extends beyond his school community. He volunteers with Hope Outdoors and has gained firsthand experience in public service as a U.S. Senate Page in Washington, D.C., for Senator Roger Wicker, and as a Page for Governor Tate Reeves.

Miss. Congressional Delegation Applauds Trump for Approving Major Disaster Declaration for Mississippi

Sun, 08 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., and U.S. Representatives Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., Trent Kelly, R-Miss., Michael Guest, R-Miss., and Mike Ezell, R-Miss., today applauded President Trump for approving Mississippi’s request for a major disaster declaration following deadly Winter Storm Fern which struck the state from January 23-27, 2026. This approval unlocks federal resources to support recovery efforts across Mississippi. The declaration approves Public Assistance for 38 counties.

“We thank President Trump for approving Mississippi's major disaster declaration. These resources will help our communities rebuild after Winter Storm Fern. We are grateful for this immediate response from the administration,” the Mississippi congressional delegation said in a joint statement.

Following the storm, the delegation signed a letter to President Trump in support of Governor Tate Reeves’ request for a major disaster declaration.

“State and local resources, along with those of volunteer organizations, are insufficient to meet Mississippi’s recovery needs. Strong federal support and coordination will be essential to help communities recover and rebuild,” the lawmakers wrote in the letter.

Click here to read the full disaster declaration.

Background:
1. All categories of Public Assistance, including direct federal assistance were approved for Alcorn, Bolivar, Calhoun, Carroll, Grenada, Holmes, Humphreys, Issaquena, Leflore, Montogomery, Sharkey, Sunflower, Warren, Washington, Webster, and Yazoo Counties as well as for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.
2. Public Assistance for emergency protective measures (Category B), including direct federal assistance for Adams, Attala, Benton, Claiborne, Coahoma, DeSoto, Hinds, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Marshall, Panola, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Quitman, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tippah, Tishomingo, Tunica, Union, and Yalobusha Counties was also approved.
3. Individual Assistance is under review

Kelly Announces First Congressional District Art Competition Winners

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Trent Kelly is proud to announce Abigail Presley as the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Mississippi’s First Congressional District.

Presley, a junior at Corinth High School, earned this honor for her watercolor painting titled “Legacy.” Abigail is the daughter of Edward and Michelle Presley. Her art teacher is Jennifer LeGoff at Corinth High School.

"Military service is a big part of our family's life," Abigail said. "I appreciate this recognition for my family and my artwork."

"I could tell she was immensely talented from the first time I saw her work," Corinth High School Art Teacher Jennifer LeGoff said. "She has come into her own and gained so much confidence."

The Congressional Art Competition is an annual event that highlights and encourages the creative talents of high school students across the country, with one winner selected from each congressional district. Presley’s artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year, and she will receive two airline tickets to attend the national awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., this summer.

2nd Place: Isabella Hancock, Hernando, MS – Acrylic painting titled “King of the Jungle”
3rd Place: Carley Foster, Booneville High School – Acrylic painting titled “Luke 16:10”
4th Place: Hannah Horton, New Albany High School – Acrylic painting titled “Dance With Me?”
5th Place: Aylin Hernandez, Corinth High School – Artwork titled “Sophia’s First”
5th Place: Isaac Snodgrass, Alcorn Central High School – Pencil drawing titled “Best Friend”

For more information about the Congressional Art Competition, contact melinda.whited@mail.house.gov.

Miss. Delegation Urges Trump to Approve Major Disaster Declaration for Mississippi

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., and U.S. Representatives Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., Trent Kelly, R-Miss., Michael Guest, R-Miss., and Mike Ezell, R-Miss., today applauded President Trump for approving Mississippi’s request for a major disaster declaration following deadly Winter Storm Fern which struck the state from January 23-27, 2026. This approval unlocks federal resources to support recovery efforts across Mississippi. The declaration approves Public Assistance for 38 counties.

“We thank President Trump for approving Mississippi's major disaster declaration. These resources will help our communities rebuild after Winter Storm Fern. We are grateful for this immediate response from the administration,” the Mississippi congressional delegation said in a joint statement.

Following the storm, the delegation signed a letter to President Trump in support of Governor Tate Reeves’ request for a major disaster declaration.

“State and local resources, along with those of volunteer organizations, are insufficient to meet Mississippi’s recovery needs. Strong federal support and coordination will be essential to help communities recover and rebuild,” the lawmakers wrote in the letter.

Background:
• All categories of Public Assistance, including direct federal assistance were approved for Alcorn, Bolivar, Calhoun, Carroll, Grenada, Holmes, Humphreys, Issaquena, Leflore, Montgomery, Sharkey, Sunflower, Warren, Washington, Webster, and Yazoo Counties as well as for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.
• Public Assistance for emergency protective measures (Category B), including direct federal assistance for Adams, Attala, Benton, Claiborne, Coahoma, DeSoto, Hinds, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Marshall, Panola, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Quitman, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tippah, Tishomingo, Tunica, Union, and Yalobusha Counties was also approved.
• Individual Assistance is under review.