Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34) congratulates Downey resident Ryan Montgomery on his appointment to the U. S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.  Following his graduation from Valley Christian High School in Cerritos, Ryan expects to begin the elite four-year Naval Academy program this summer. 
Pictured in the photo from left to right: Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard; Ryan Montgomery; and Diane Ruhlen, Ryan’s mother.

“I am extremely proud of Ryan,” Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard said.  “He is an exceptional young man who earned admission to one of our nation’s most prestigious service academies through his hard work, commitment and leadership abilities.  I’m certain Ryan’s self-discipline, strong motivation to succeed and eagerness to serve our country will enable him to become a fine commissioned officer and leader that our community and nation can be proud of.”

Each year, Congresswoman Roybal-Allard nominates qualified students from her district for admission to the service academies, which also include the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in King’s Point, New York.  Successful applicants receive a free education in exchange for a commitment to serve five years as a commissioned officer in the military following graduation.

Entrance into the academies is highly competitive.  Last year, for example, only 14 percent or 1,537 of all Naval Academy applicants were offered appointments.  Admission to the service academies is based on a multitude of skills and attributes, including character, scholarship, leadership, physical aptitude, medical fitness, goals, and motivation. The Naval Academy offers a well-rounded learning experience which includes a rigorous academic curriculum, physical education, and leadership training. In exchange for a fully funded education, Service Academy graduates are required to serve in the military as a commissioned officer for a minimum of five years after completing their studies.

Ryan is an excellent student, athlete, and community volunteer. He currently holds a 3.9 grade point average and performed very well on the SAT. In addition to playing football, track, the violin, and singing in the school choir, Ryan has also mentored students at the Tucker Elementary School in Long Beach, tutored at his church’s Sunday school, and volunteered at Camp Pendleton. He has received numerous awards and accolades for his accomplishments and was inducted into the National Honor Society in 2007.

Congresswoman Roybal-Allard hosts annual workshops about the nomination and application process every Fall. To learn more about the service academies and the nomination process, please visit the congresswoman’s web site at www.house.gov/roybal-allard under Student Section or call Diana Porras in the congresswoman’s Downtown district office at (213) 628-9230.
 

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