Press Releases

Tamaqua, PA – Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced that Tamaqua Area High School student, Monika Shimko, has been accepted to the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY. Rep. Cartwright proudly nominated Monika to attend the academy where she will begin her service career.

Monika is a graduate of Tamaqua Area High School and the daughter of Joe and Kimberly Shimko. While attending Tamaqua Area High, Monika was a member of the biology club, physics club, Spanish Honor Society, the National Honor Society, Tri-Music Honor Society, and the marching band. Monika was also a captain of the cross country and track teams and voted the Pottsville Republican Herald’s 2016 Track Athlete of the Year.

“Each year, I have the distinct honor of nominating students from the 17^th Congressional District to our nation’s military academies,” said Rep. Cartwright. “To be nominated, students must not only excel academically, but also exhibit a passion for service and leadership. Monika is a well-rounded, bright young woman and a role model for her peers; I am so proud of her hard work, perseverance, and acceptance into the academy.”  

In order to attend one of the military academies, students must receive a nomination from their Member of Congress. Students may apply to the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), the Air Force Academy, the Naval Academy, and the Merchant Marine Academy.  Accepted students will receive a full scholarship, and upon graduation, they must complete the military service obligation requirement for each school.

Rep. Cartwright added, “Throughout our nation’s history, U.S. Service Academies have played an important role in preparing young people for service to our country.  As a Pennsylvanian, I am proud of our patriotic young men and women who are willing to step forward and answer the call of duty.  It is an honor to play a role in preparing our next generation of leaders.”