Press Releases

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 2021.

“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 their country.  They give me hope that our best days are surely ahead.”
 
Cartwright’s class of 2021 U.S. Service Academy nominees from Northampton County include:

Ethan DiRenzo, Easton, PA

Ethan is a senior at Easton Area High School in Easton, PA. Ethan is the son of Louis and Cynthia DiRenzo. Ethan is captain of the wrestling team, a member of the St. John’s Media Team, and has been an active volunteer during the week of Vacation Bible School for children. He is also a member of the National Honor Society. Ethan has been nominated to the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY.

Brian Gembarski, Bangor, PA

Brian is a senior at Bangor Area High School in Bangor, PA. Brian is the son of Joseph and Nancy Gembarski. Brian is vice president of the French Honor Society, a member of the Student Government Association, a member of the debate club, and a member of Class Cabinet. He is also captain of the varsity track & field team, captain of the cross country team, a varsity tennis player, and on the varsity wrestling team. Brian is an AP Scholar and currently ranked first in his class. Brian has been nominated to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD.  

Thomas Koons, Easton, PA

Thomas is a senior at Notre Dame High School in Easton, PA. Thomas is the son of Michael and Elizabeth Koons. He is the senior class president of the NDHS Student Government, a peer tutor, and a member of the National Honor Society. Thomas is a captain of the varsity cross country and track teams, the treasurer for the NDHS Key Club, and a recipient of the West Point Society of the Lehigh Valley Dwight D. Eisenhower Leadership Award. Thomas has been nominated to the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY, as well as the United States Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, CO. 

Logan Ruppert, Wind Gap, PA

Logan is a senior at Pen Argyl Area High School in Pen Argyl, PA. Logan is the son of Richard and Leean Ruppert. Logan is a member of the Future Business Leaders of America, Students Against Destructive Decisions, and the National Honor Society. He is also a junior pee wee football coach, a volunteer for the Lauren’s Hope Foundation, a varsity baseball player, and is a 2^nd team all-league linebacker for his varsity football team. Logan has been nominated to the United States Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, CO.

John Zemanek, Easton, PA

John is a senior at Bethlehem Catholic High School in Bethlehem, PA. John is the son of Kenneth and Elizabeth Zemanek. John is a member of the marching band, jazz band trumpet section leader, and a Hawk Ambassador. He is an Eagle Scout, a volunteer for the Neighborhood Association, and a member of the cross country and track & field team. John has been nominated to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD.

Zeng Zeng Yang, Wind Gap, PA

Zeng Zeng is a 2016 graduate of Pen Argyl Area High School and currently enrolled at Northampton Community College. Zeng Zeng is the daughter of Anthony and Lina Mondello.   She is an AP Scholar Award winner, has participated in student government, and is currently an Army ROTC cadet at Lehigh University. In high school, she was an editor for the school newspaper and a member of the tennis team. Zeng Zeng has been nominated to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD.  

Troy Watlington, Easton, PA

Troy is a senior at Freedom High School in Bethlehem, PA. Troy is the son of Jay and Deborah Watlington. He is a swimmer for his high school, a swimmer for Lehigh Valley Aquatics, and a current member of the Sea Cadet Corps. Troy is also very active at his church and has also helped at the Special Olympics. Troy has been nominated to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD, as well as the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY.