Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34) congratulates Westlake resident and Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies High School senior Yechan Kim on his appointment to the U. S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Yechan, who accepted the appointment, expects to begin the elite 4-year Naval Academy program this summer. 

Pictured in the congresswoman’s Downtown district office from left to right: Yechan’s mother, Mrs. Miran Kim; Yechan Kim; Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34); and Yechan’s father, Mr. Skylar Kim.

“I am extremely proud of Yechan,” 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 Yechan’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 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 Kings Point, New York.

Entrance to the academies is highly competitive and includes an examination of each applicant’s character, scholarship, leadership abilities, 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 college education, service academy graduates are required to serve in the military as commissioned officers for a minimum of five years after completing their studies.

Yechan, son of Mr. and Mrs. Skylar Kim, is an excellent student, athlete, and community volunteer. In addition to playing varsity tennis and cross country, Yechan is also active in school clubs and has held leadership roles in the Young Asian Scholars, B-Boy (a talent group), and Dodgeball Clubs. In middle school, Yechan was in honors orchestra and played 1st chair violin for his school group. Yechan is strongly committed to serving his community and country. He volunteers at his church, Good Samaritan Hospital, and a local soup kitchen. This past summer, Yechan attended the Naval Academy’s Summer Seminar, which offers interested students a glimpse into midshipmen life at the Naval Academy.

Every Fall, Congresswoman Roybal-Allard hosts an annual workshop covering the nomination and application process. To learn more about the service academies or to inquire about future workshops, please visit the congresswoman’s web site at www.house.gov/roybal-allard or call Diana Porras in the congresswoman’s district office at (213) 628-9230.