Press Releases

Today, Congressman Matt Cartwright proudly announced the students from Monroe, Pike, and Wayne Counties 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 2024.

“It is my distinguished honor to nominate these exceptional young women and 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 2024 U.S. Service Academy nominees from Monroe, Pike, and Wayne Counties include:

Matthew Benedito, Newfoundland, PA

Matthew is the son of Jaclyn Benedito Sennefelder and Paul Sennefelder and a senior at Wallenpaupack High School. Matthew is a member of the varsity soccer, wrestling, and track and field teams. He participates in the Engineering Club, Technology Club, and Astronomy Club. As a junior, he received a Gold Honor Award from the National Honor Society, as well as two Silver Honors. Matthew serves his community as a Boy Scouts of America patrol leader and quartermaster, Tang Soo Do co-instructor, and volunteer at the Hawley Library. Matthew has been nominated to the United States Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, CO.

Laina Bogusta, Milford, PA

Laina is the daughter of Alexandra and Stephen Bogusta and a senior at Delaware Valley High School. Laina is a captain of the track and field team and was a first team all-star for cross country and track and field. She is a member of the National Honor Society. As an active community member, she volunteers for the Special Olympics and as a counselor for youth cross country and track camps. Laina has been nominated to the United States Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, CO.

Gavin Brazanskas, Shohola, PA

Gavin is the son of Cynthia and Stephen Brazanskas and a senior at Delaware Valley High School. Gavin serves as the Future Business Leaders of America vice president and the Future Business Leaders of America Region 22 vice president, and he received the Big 33 Community Service Award from the organization. He is a member of the National Honor Society, National Math Honor Society, and National Social Studies Honor Society and is a marching band and jazz band section leader. He is also on the varsity wrestling team. Gavin is an active participant in his community as an American Legion Boys State representative and Boys Scouts of America Life Scout and senior patrol leader. He attended West Point’s Summer Leader Experience and the Naval Academy’s Summer Seminar. Gavin has been nominated to the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY and the United Stated Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD.

Nicholas Hamer, Tafton, PA

Nicholas is the son of Patricia and Christopher Hamer and a graduate of Wallenpaupack Area High School. He currently attends Maine Maritime Academy in Castine, ME. While in high school, Nicholas was on the golf team and was a two-time captain. He also played baseball and was a member of the National Honor Society. Nicholas was a National Automotive Technology Competition winner, Pennsylvania State Police Camp Cadet participant, and an American Legion Keystone Boys State attendee. He is a member of the Order of the Free Masons, a junior clinic instructor at the Honesdale Golf Course, and a volunteer for the Special Olympics. Nicholas has been nominated to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD.

Sheamus McCarroll, Swiftwater, PA

Sheamus McCarroll is the son of Sarah and James McCarroll and a senior at Pocono Mountain West High School. Sheamus is a member of the National Honor Society, the Distinguished Honor Roll, and Student Athlete Character Counsel. He is a SADD officer, PRIDE Committee executive officer, and a Keystone Boys State alumnus. Sheamus is also a member of the cross country, golf, and football teams and captain of the track and field team. He has volunteered for Toys for Tots, Meals on Wheels, the Salvation Army, and Hackerman Patz House Fundraiser. He has participated in West Point’s Summer Leadership Experience. Sheamus has been nominated to the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY and the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD.

Jessica Sulewski, Tafton, PA

Jessica Sulewski is the daughter of Stacey and Charles Sulewski and a graduate of Cornwall Central High School in New Windsor, NY. She is currently enrolled at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT studying business. Jessica was a member of the National Honors Society and the Society of High School Scholars. She volunteered with the Peer Mentorship Program, as an NHS school tutor, and for Boy Scouts of America food drives. Jessica was a member of the varsity cheer, diving, and track and field teams. Jessica received a certificate of recognition as a military child of an active duty soldier stationed at West Point, and she attended West Point’s Summer Leadership Experience. Jessica has been nominated to the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY.