HUTCHINSON — Congressman Jerry Moran announced Thursday that he is now accepting applications for nominations to the United States Service Academies. The academies include the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y. Those selected will enter the academies in June 2011.

Selections are based on SAT or ACT test scores, class rank, grade-point average, school records, extracurricular activities, leadership potential, motivation, recommendations and interview evaluations. Applicants must be legal residents of Kansas and the First District, at least 17 years of age but not past their 23rd birthday on July 1 of the year of admission, citizens of the United States, unmarried, not pregnant and without legal obligation to support children or other dependents.

If nominated by Moran, the applicants then must meet the individual admission requirements of each academy. The academies will make the final decision on who will receive an appointment of admission. Due to limited placement, Moran encourages all interested candidates to also apply to the offices of U.S. Sens. Sam Brownback and Pat Roberts.

Moran’s application deadline is Nov. 1, 2010. Interested applicants should send a letter requesting application materials to:

Congressman Jerry Moran

Attn: Service Academy Selection

P.O. Box 1128

Hutchinson, KS 67504-1128

Additional information is available by visiting the Services section on Moran’s Web site at www.jerrymoran.house.gov/.