Long Island HS Senior Nominated For 2 Out Of 5 U.S. Military Service Academies: District

MASTIC BEACH, NY — A senior at William Floyd High School has received congressional nominations for two out of the five United States service academies, including the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy, school district officials said.

If selected for either academy, Andriana Perez will undergo a rigorous four-year education before earning a commission as a military officer.

To receive a service academy nomination, students must be recommended by a current member of Congress, who evaluate candidates based on the “whole person,” including such factors as academic achievement, leadership skills, extra-curricular activities, physical aptitude, character, and motivation, which are all taken into consideration and compared with other applicants.

was nominated for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, and the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis by Congressman Andrew Garbarino.

Final acceptance is determined solely by the service academies.

Perez stands out in her academics, extracurricular activities, and in her leadership skills.

She has served in several leadership roles during her four years in the William Floyd Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, including as a platoon commander and supply officer, before taking on the top student leadership position as lieutenant and executive officer.

In this role, she is responsible for helping train cadets in proper drill techniques, ensuring the squad is sharp and unified, and assists her instructors, actively participates in competitions, and supports her fellow cadets by providing guidance and support.

Perez has also served in various leadership roles as a member of community organizations, including the Civil Air Patrol, where she serves as cadet chief master sergeant, as well as flight commander, service officer, logistics officer, and chairperson of the Cadet Advisory Council.

She is also president of the junior auxiliary program at the American Legion Patchogue Post 269, and a member of the honor guard firing detail for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Patchogue Post 2913.

In a congratulatory letter, Gillibrand stated that the nomination is "an honor reflecting your high achievement, and it is a testament to your educational and personal accomplishments to date."

"Your commitment to serve our nation is evident, and the courage and sacrifice from young women and men like yourself inspires us all," she added.

In his letter, Garbarino wrote, “This year, the young men and women from this district competing for nominations to one of the service academies were an outstanding group of students. I greatly appreciate your willingness to complete this multi-stage and competitive process. America needs remarkable individuals such as yourself to be our leaders of tomorrow.”

Laura Nunziata, Perez’s guidance counselor, noted she had the "pleasure of witnessing" Perez's "resilience, leadership, and unwavering dedication to personal and professional growth."

"Andriana’s journey to become a commissioned officer stems from her personal life experiences, and I am confident that she will bring skill, commitment, and purpose to her future career," she said. "Andriana’s commitment to her goals is not only impressive but also deeply inspiring as she aims to contribute to the academies’ traditions of service while challenging herself to grow in a mission-driven environment.”

Andriana has attended the school district since kindergarten, including Tangier Smith Elementary School and William Paca Middle School.