Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is delighted to announce that Alek Timuialatogo West of Vatia has been accepted for admittance to both the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis and the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. He has accepted his first choice to attend the Naval Academy, with interest in being a Navy Psychiatrist.
“I’m so pleased to announce Alek has been accepted to these two prestigious Service Academies,” said Congresswoman Amata. “He now has a fully qualified appointment to the Naval Academy. Congratulations on this excellent achievement, and all the hard work and dedication through his high school years to achieve this outcome. A special thank you and congratulations to his family, teachers, Samoana High School, and most of all his proud parents. It’s always a thrill to congratulate our outstanding students as they choose their pathways to higher education.”
A Service Academy acceptance requires high grades from beginning to end of high school. The Service Academies require strong academics, high test scores, and additionally, the demonstration of extracurricular activities, volunteering, or other roles that show leadership and motivation.
Congresswoman Amata nominated Alek this January among a group of six student nominees who sent in nine total Service Academy applications this year from American Samoa. His extra-curricular efforts include Finafinau environmental efforts, such as clean up and planting, as well as youth athletics coaching and volunteering.
Congresswoman Amata’s Chief of Staff, Col. Leafaina Tavai (Ret.), was the first service academy graduate from American Samoa, graduating from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. She recommends that motivated students consider applying to multiple Academies, recognizing that the applications are time-consuming, but students cannot be nominated without a completed application on file with the Academy.
The Service Academies are selective and highly competitive, and she notes prospective applicants should not forget there are five total Service Academy possibilities, including the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York, and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. The Coast Guard Academy does not include a congressional nomination process, but the Congresswoman will be very happy to highlight and congratulate any Academy acceptance, as American Samoa takes pride in each of these students.
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