The new year will bring exciting changes for Turlock High graduate Bryce Brenda. He was recently announced as a 2012 service academy nominee from California’s 19th Congressional District. 

Brenda was among 19 high school seniors who were nominated by U.S. Representative Jeff Denham to the country’s leading service academies, including the Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, the Naval Academy at Annapolis, and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

“These young students represent our state’s best, and I’m proud to nominate them to our nation’s military academies,” Rep. Denham said in a statement. “It’s truly inspiring that so many young and talented Californians desire to serve our nation by joining the armed forces.  This dedicated group will surely lead our country to a brighter future.”

Serving in the military has been a lifelong dream for Brenda.  After being denied from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point last year, he continued to work throughout the year to ensure his second nomination.

“After I got denied from West Point last year, I decided to go to UC Berkeley,” said Brenda.  “I reapplied again the following year because serving in the military has always been a passion of mine.”

To be considered for admission to four of the five armed service academies, all potential students must be nominated by a U.S. Representative, U.S. Senator or the Vice President. Last year, Rep. Denham’s Military Academy Selection Committee chose 23 nominees after a rigorous application and interview process where factors such as academic achievements, extra-curricular activities, leadership skills, physical aptitude, character and motivation were taken into consideration.

“I had the opportunity to visit the campus at West Point last year,” said Brenda.  “I met some of the most amazing people.  These cadets are selfless individuals who live to help each other out.”

Acceptance will be determined by each academy in the spring, and students selected from this group of nominees will become the graduating class of 2017. The honor of attending a service academy comes with a commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years active duty and three years reserve upon graduation.

“If all goes as planned I will receive my undergraduate degree at West Point.  I would love to go to law school and serve as a lawyer for the military,” Brenda said.