Congressman Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) today announced that Ryan Mavity of St. Joseph has been accepted to attend the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) at Kings Point, New York.  Upton, who recommended Mr. Mavity for selection to the prestigious service academy, personally congratulated him on his appointment.  Ryan is currently a senior at Lakeshore High School.

“It is truly an honor to announce Ryan’s appointment to Kings Point,” said Upton.  “Ryan has worked hard and undergone a rigorous selection process to earn a formal appointment to this prestigious academy.  As a future midshipman, Ryan will represent the very best that Southwest Michigan has to offer.  We are so proud of his many accomplishments and desire to serve his country.  I encourage local students who aspire to follow in Ryan’s footsteps to contact my office to open a whole new world of opportunity and the chance to serve our country.”

Each year, Upton nominates students from Michigan’s Sixth District who have excelled in their respective schools and have gone through a rigorous selection process.  The selection process included an interview with Upton’s Academy Advisory Board, which is comprised of community leaders.  Upon approval by the board, Ryan’s name was then passed on to Upton, who then officially nominated the Lakeshore High School senior to USMMA.  The individual academies make the final decisions on military appointments.

Students interested in attending a service academy are encouraged to contact Upton’s St. Joseph/Benton Harbor District Office for further information: (269) 982-1986.