Press Releases

Northampton County, PA – Today, Congressman Matt Cartwright proudly announced the students from Northampton County nominated for appointments to attend 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 2023.

“It is my distinguished honor to nominate these exceptional young men 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 serving their country.  They give me hope that our best days are surely ahead.”
 
Cartwright’s Class of 2023 U.S. Service Academy nominees from Northampton County include:

Joseph Ozgar, Easton, PA

Joseph is the son of Gregory and Michele Ozgar. Throughout his high school career at Easton Area High School, he has been recognized for his achievements both in and out of the classroom. He is a member of the National Honor Society, the Tri-M Music Honor Society, and Key Club, and he has been named to the High Honor Roll. He is a member of concert band, marching band, and pep band. Joseph is also part of the cross country and track teams, as well as a recipient of the Unites States Dwight D. Eisenhower Leadership Award. Joseph has been nominated to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD and the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY.

Joseph Kurtz, Easton, PA

Joseph is the son of Dr. Stephen and Sue Kurtz and attends Bethlehem Catholic High School. Throughout his high school career, Joseph has been recognized for his achievements both in and out of the classroom. He is a member of the National Honor Society as well as a first-place winner in the Lehigh Valley Regional Science and Engineering Research Fair. Joseph is a stand out athlete, competing on the wrestling, track and field, and football teams. Joseph has been nominated to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD.

Douglas Toth, Bangor, PA

Douglas is the son of Duane and Rachelle Toth and a senior at Bangor Area High School. Throughout his high school career, Douglas has been recognized for his achievements both in and out of the classroom. He is a member of the football, wrestling, and track teams. Douglas also is the treasurer of the student government, writes for the school newspaper, and has won the Dwight Eisenhower Award for Excellence. Douglas has been nominated to the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY.

Morgan O’Brien, East Bangor, PA

Morgan is the son of Patrick and Magdalena O’Brien and a senior at Bangor Area High School. Throughout his high school career, Morgan has been recognized for his achievements both in and out of the classroom. He is a member of the Spanish Honor Society and Envirothon. Morgan is also a captain of the cross country and track and field teams and a member of the swim team. Morgan has been nominated to the United States Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, CO.

Pik Lam, Easton, PA

Pik is the son of Cheung Lam and Man Cheung. Throughout his high school career at Wilson Area High School, Pik has been recognized for his achievements both in and out of the classroom. He was a 2018 National AP Scholar and National Chemistry Olympiad finalist. Pik also participates in varsity swim and cross country while also being active in Project of Easton. Pik has been nominated to the United States Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, CO.

John Koons, Easton, PA

John is the son of Michael and Elizabeth Koons. Throughout his high school career at Notre Dame High School, John has been recognized for his achievements both in and out of the classroom. He is a member of the National Honor Society as well as the National Foreign Language Honor Society. John was elected senior class president and named captain of both the varsity cross country and track and field teams. He is a recipient of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Leadership Award. John has been nominated to the United States Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, CO.