(Kansas City, MO)—This year, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II had the pleasure of nominating serveral talented young students to United States Service Academies through the competitive nominating process. The prestigious and challenging universities selected Grace Boyd, Mike Koppe, Harrison Smith, Lisa Taylor, and Jacob Lair for their academic, athletic, and community involvement. This week these nominees become “plebes,” the term for freshmen at the academies. 

In addition to the five selected specifically from Congressman Cleaver’s nominations, two other students from the Fifth District of Missouri who applied for a Congressional nomination received appointments. Javiera Byers received a nomination from her Air Force Junior ROTC unit and Sean Eskew obtained a Presidential nomination. 

“I am so proud of these young men and women and proud to be a part of this process. These talented students represent the best and brightest from Missouri’s Fifth District. They are the future of our armed services officer corp. I want to thank them for their commitment and service to our country,” said Cleaver.

This year’s nominees will attend three of the five service academies. On Monday, June 26, the United States Military Academy, in West Point, New York welcomed Mike Koppe, Harrison Smith, Lisa Taylor, and Sean Eskew to Reception Day. On Wednesday, June 28, Grace Boyd and Javiera Byers began Induction Day at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Jacob Lair began his career at the Air Force Academy during In-Processing Day on Thursday, June 29. 

Congratulations to each of the new students:

Grace Boyd - Kansas City - Home Schooled:
Grace is the 4th of eight children, and has been actively involved in her community throughout high school. She is excited about the opportunity to serve our country, and thanks everyone who has contributed to her success thus far.
 
Javiera Byers – Lee’s Summit – Lee’s Summit North High School:
Javiera made her decision to attend a service academy when she was 12 years of age and never stopped working towards that goal. She has been active in her high school through Air Force Junior ROTC, Choir, and Cross Country. She hopes that she will not only serve our country as an officer in the Navy, but someday as a congresswoman.  This summer the Congressman was proud to have Javiera as an intern in his Independence office for three weeks. 
 

Harrison Hendrix – Lone Jack – Lone Jack High School:
Harrison has served as Lone Jack Senior Class President and Captian of the Lone Jack Mules Basketball team. He attended Missouri Boys State and West Point Student Leader’s Program in New York during the summer of 2005. 
 

Mike Koppe – Kansas City – Barstow High School:
Mike has been named to Barstow’s academic Honor Roll for eight straight semesters, and is the editor of Barstow’s yearbook. While at Barstow, Mike has earned 12 varsity letters in soccer, basketball, baseball and cross country. 
 

Jacob Lair – Independence – Home Schooled:
Jacob is a home schooled senior who has received numerous honors and awards for his leadership in various activities such as Boy Scouts, Civil Air Patrol, basketball, and church youth group. His ultimate ambition is to serve our nation with distinction as a career military officer. 
 

Lisa Taylor – Lee’s Summit – Lee’s Summit West High School:
Lisa is an International Baccalaureate Diploma Candidate and the Group Commander of the Air Force JROTC unit at Lee’s Summit West High School. She is also a member of National Honor’ Society and Math Club.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Belton, Raymore and Peculiar, Missouri. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee.