Congressman Cartwright Announces 2014 Service Academy Nominations for Northampton County

Scranton, PA – Today, Congressman Matt Cartwright proudly announced the nomination of 7 students from Northampton County for appointments to the United States Service Academies.  Each student nominated by Congressman Cartwright will go through the academies' competitive application process.  If offered an appointment, the students will join their respective academy's class of 2018, however, nominees are still required to seek admittance from their desired service academy—a decision made by each academy individually.

“It is my distinguished honor to nominate these exceptional young men and women as candidates for appointment to our esteemed United States Service Academies,” Cartwright said.  “Each student nominated is among the best and brightest of northeastern Pennsylvania, and they represent the next generation of great American leaders.”

Cartwright continued, “I want to thank these outstanding young adults for their willingness to commit to service to and for country.  They give me hope that our best days are surely ahead.”

Cartwright’s class of 2018 U.S. Service Academy nominees include:

William Scott Begley, Easton, PA

William Scott Begley is a senior at Easton Area High School in Easton, PA. William is the son of William Scott Begley Sr.  He is a member of the National Honor Society, French Honor Society, the Easton Varsity Track and Field and Easton Varsity Swimming. He is also a Lead Cadet in the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps and a member of the PA Water Rescue. William has been nominated to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD.

Patrick Connor Nelson, Easton, PA

Patrick Connor Nelson is a senior at Easton Area High School in Easton, PA. Patrick is the son of Michael and Margaret Nelson. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Boy Scouts, Eagle Scouts, Marching Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Symphonic Orchestra. He is also Captain of the Boys’ Volleyball Team.  Patrick has been nominated to the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY.

Meredith Susan Ellison, Easton, PA

Meredith Susan Ellison is a graduate of Easton Area High School in Easton, PA. She is currently attending the Military Academy Preparatory School at West Point, NY. Meredith is the daughter of Thomas Ellison and Kerri Leonard-Ellison. She was a member of the Key club, National Honor Society, USMAPS Cross Country and Track Team Captain, Class Secretary of the Student Council, and the School Paper Editor-in-Chief. She has also volunteered for Relay for Life, the Red Cross, and Special Olympics. Meredith has been nominated to the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY.

Alan Scott Lancaster, Pen Argyl, PA

Alan Scott Lancaster is a graduate of Pen Argyl Area High School in Pen Argyl, PA. He is currently attending Norwich University in Northfield, VT. Alan is the son of Scott and Tamie Lancaster. He was a member of the National Honor Society, Jazz band and Concert Band, and the Civil Air Patrol. He was also Captain and 3rd team All-State in Defense of the Football team, Boys State Mayor and Lt. Governor, and the Class Vice-President. Alan has been nominated to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD.

Connor Patrick Mellet, Easton, PA

Connor Patrick Mellet is a senior at Easton Area High School in Easton, PA. Connor is the son of Patrick and Joli Mellet. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Technology Student Association, and Student Council. He is also a Captain on the Varsity Cross Country, as well as a member of the Lacrosse and Track and Field teams. Connor has been nominated to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD.

Meghan O’Toole, Bethlehem, PA

Meghan O’Toole is a senior at Freedom High School in Bethlehem, PA. Meghan is the daughter of William A. O’Toole. She is the Captain of the Varsity Track, Field, and Basketball Teams. She is also a Mixed Martial Arts instructor and a member of the Anti- Bullying Club. Meghan has been nominated to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD.

Jessica R. Wain, Bangor, PA

Jessica Wain is a graduate of Bangor Area High School in Bangor, PA. She is currently attending the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, RI. Jessica is the daughter of Melissa Clarke. She was the Vice president of her class and a member of the Film Club and Leo Club. She was also Captain of the Varsity Soccer and Tennis teams, as well as a member of Varsity Track and Field teams. Jessica has been nominated to The United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD.

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