Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34) welcomed area students and parents to her 10th Annual Service Academies Workshop held at Downey City Library.  At the event, service academy representatives met with area students and parents to discuss the academy’s admission requirements and application process.  Following a highly competitive admissions process that includes a nomination from the congresswoman, academy students receive a free college education in return for serving at least five years in the military after graduation. Representatives from all five of our nation’s service academies – the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy – were in attendance.  A Downey native, Midshipman Evan Messiha – who was one of the congresswoman’s nominees – shared his experiences attending the U.S. Naval Academy. For more information about the application or nomination process, please call the congresswoman's Los Angeles office at (213) 628-9230 or visit her web site at www.house.gov/roybal-allard and click Resources for Students. Pictured from left to right: Mr. Sam Messiha of Downey (Evan’s father and U.S. Naval Academy Blue & Gold Officer); Army 2nd Lt. Sam Messiha (Mr. Messiha’s son and Evan’s brother); Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34); and U.S. Naval Academy Midshipman Evan Messiha.