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Rep. Calvert Announces 2026 Service Academy Nominations

January 15, 2026

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) announced his 2026 nominations for the U.S. Service Academies, honoring a group of highly qualified students from California’s 41st Congressional District. As a Member of Congress, Rep. Calvert has the privilege of nominating highly qualified candidates for potential appointments to the U.S. Air Force, Naval, Military (West Point), and Merchant Marine Academies. 

"I am incredibly proud to nominate these exceptional young men and women from the 41st Congressional District for potential appointment to attend one of our nation’s prestigious Service Academies," said Rep. Calvert. "Answering the call to serve is a noble commitment. These students represent the very best of our region having demonstrated exceptional academic performance, leadership, and dedication to service, exemplifying the qualities we seek in future military and service leaders." 

Following evaluation by Rep. Calvert's Academy Nominations Selection Committee, thirty-two candidates were selected for their academic excellence, leadership, and physical character. The academies will now review these nominees for final appointment decisions, which will be made by the respective academies this spring. 

Air Force Academy

Ved Chandra, Corona – Troy High School

Kevin Chen, Eastvale – Marine Military Academy

Ian Cho, Eastvale – Eleanor Roosevelt High School

Brendon Ferreri, Corona – Corona High School

Tabitha Kelly, Wildomar – California Online Public Schools

Zachary Lovell, Eastvale – Eleanor Roosevelt High School 

Ethan Miller, La Quinta – La Quinta High School 

Jesus Molina, Lake Elsinore – Santa Rosa Academy

Aaron Nunez, Corona – Santiago High School 

Maximilian Radi, La Quinta – La Quinta High School 

Sebastien Rivera, Menifee – Paloma Valley High School 

Alina Schannette, Menifee – Rancho Christian High School 

Mia Vasquez, Corona – Centennial High School 

Landen Wert, Corona – Santiago High School 

Matthew Woodroof, Lake Elsinore – Murrieta Valley High School (Class of 2025), currently attending US Air Force Preparatory School

 

United States Naval Academy

Isaiah Buffong, Corona – Ontario Christian High School

Ciera Carr, Palm Desert – Palm Desert High School

Ved Chandra, Corona – Troy High School 

Kevin Chen, Eastvale – Marine Military Academy

Ian Cho, Eastvale – Eleanor Roosevelt High School

Shaw Farson, Lake Elsinore – Temescal Canyon High School 

James Jacops, Riverside – Martin Luther King High School 

Mai Kelly, Canyon Lake – Temescal Canyon High School 

Sydney Kengne-Tetsing, Menifee – Heritage High School

Sean Lee, Corona – EF Academy Pasadena

Jera Likins, Menifee – Santa Rosa Academy (Class of 2025), currently attending US Naval Academy Preparatory School 

Zachary Lovell, Eastvale – Eleanor Roosevelt High School

Ethan Miller, La Quinta – La Quinta High School

Jesus Molina, Lake Elsinore – Santa Rosa Academy 

Alina Schannette, Menifee – Rancho Christian High School 

 

Military Academy at West Point

Kevin Chen, Eastvale - Marine Military Academy

Jaden Jowandha, Riverside – Martin Luther King High School

Daniel Kambe, La Quinta –Xavier College Preparatory 

Alexander Krishan, Winchester – Murrieta Mesa High School (Class of 2025), currently attending US Military Academy Preparatory School

Sean Lee, Corona – EF Academy Pasadena 

Jesus Molina, Lake Elsinore – Santa Rosa Academy 

Jakob Plecnik, Corona – Temescal Canyon High School

Maximilian Radi, La Quinta – La Quinta High School 

Alina Schannette, Menifee – Rancho Christian High School

Artur Tomashevskiy, Menifee – California Military Institute

Mia Vasquez, Corona – Centennial High School

 

Merchant Marine Academy:

Case Allen, Exeter – Central Valley Christian High School

Jesus Molina, Lake Elsinore – Santa Rosa Academy 

Aaron Nunez, Corona – Santiago High School

Benjamin Quil, Huntington Beach – Pacifica High School

Alina Schannette, Menifee – Rancho Christian High School

Mia Vasquez, Corona – Centennial High School

Luke Woodroof, Lake Elsinore – Elsinore High School

 

 

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