Issa Announces Service Academy Appointments
Escondido - Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) has announced seven students from California’s 48th Congressional District who received appointments to the U.S. Service Academies.
Issa said, “On behalf of our community, I congratulate these remarkable young students on their distinguished appointments. I trust they will go on to serve this country with courage and commitment. We are all eager to see the illustrious leaders they will become.”
Each year, members of the U.S. House and Senate nominate high school seniors from their community for admission to the U.S. Air Force, Merchant Marine, Military and Naval academies. Nominees were reviewed by an skilled panel of local community members.
Congressman Issa hosted a congratulatory breakfast with the students and their family as well as military community members.
Air Force Academy
Katelyn Winkleblech
Katelyn resides in Escondido and will graduate from Rancho Bernardo High School. Katelyn participates in Varsity Swimming and Water Polo and the Civil Air Patrol, San Diego Senior Squadron 57. Katelyn is a member of National Honor Society and California Scholarship Federation.
Zachary Harrison Quinto
Harrison resides in Valley Center and will graduate from St. Augustine High School, San Diego. Harrison participates in Varsity Football and Wrestling. He participates in a wide variety of community activities- Boy Schouts of America- attained rank of eagle scout, Alter Server, Eucharistic minister, San Diego Food Bank. He is a member of National Honor Society, California Scholarship Federation, and National Society of High School Scholar.
Naval Academy
Faith Wiggins
Faith resides in Ramona and will graduate from Ramona High School. Faith participates in Varsity Cross Country and Lacrosse. She participates in NROTC program and served in a variety of NROTC leadership positions. Faith’s awards include National Merit Commended Student Award, Rural and small Town recognition Award, Cross Country Medal, AP Scholar with Honor Award.
Zita Huang
Zita resides in Santee and will graduate from Grossmont High School. Zita participates in Junior Varsity Drill Team. She participates in NJROTC program and served as Marksmanship Team Captain. Zita is ranked in top 5 percent of her class. Zita volunteers in her community through weekly beach and park cleanups.
Brady Humphrey
Brady resides in San Marcos and will graduate from San Marcos High School. Brady participates in Varsity Soccer and served as the Team Captain. Brady participates in the following community activities: AYSO Special Needs Soccer, Special Education Classroom Volunteer. Brady is a member of National Honor Society, California Scholarship Federation and AP Scholar with distinction.
U.S. Military Academy/West Point
Kyra Jacobs
Kyra resides in Alpine and will graduate from Torrey Pines High School. Kyra participates in Varsity Sailing. Kyra participates in Church Activities and she attended the West Point Summer Leadership program.
Merchant Marine Academy
Luke Harts
Luke is from Fallbrook, but is currently residing in Japan, where his father serves in the US Navy. Luke will graduate from Kinnick High School, Yokosuka Japan. Luke participates in Varsity crew, NJROTC and Sea Cadets.
Feature Photo (from Left to Right): Brady Humphrey, Faith Wiggins, Zita Huang, Congressman Darrell Issa, Zachary Harrison Quinto, Katelyn Winkleblech
View additional photos from the Academy breakfast here: 2023 Academy Breakfast | Flickr