Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) proudly announced that he has nominated 19 residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania as candidates to the prestigious United States Service Academies. Six of these nominees hail from Lackawanna County.
The U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and the U.S. Naval Academy each require a nomination by a member of Congress to attend. The nomination process is highly competitive and the privilege of attending a service academy comes with the obligation and commitment to serve in the military upon graduation.
“The U.S. Service Academies have a long tradition of excellence,” Rep. Cartwright said. “These nominees have proven their willingness to lead and inspire those around them. Not only do they excel in academics, but they have demonstrated high moral character, honor and duty to their schools, local communities and their country.”
The nominees for U.S. Service Academies from Lackawanna County are:
John Greenfield, Old Forge, PA
John Greenfield is the son of John and Marianne Greenfield and a senior at Old Forge High School. He is an active member of the National Honor Society and has been named an American Chemical Society High School Scholar. John is also a member of the football team, where he served as team captain for two years and was selected for the Lackawanna All-Academic Gold Team. He serves as a volunteer firefighter for Taylor Fire and Rescue and participates in the company’s barbecue and candy cane handout. He has also volunteered for the children’s food pantry. John Greenfield has been nominated to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York.
Sam Mulvey, Mayfield, PA
Sam Mulvey is the son of Mark and Christine Mulvey and a senior at Holy Cross High School. He has received Academic Distinguished Honors and certificates for his performance on the National Latin Exam and the National Spanish Exam. He is an IHM Scholar and a Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science participant. Sam is also a member of Student Council, Boys State, Debate Club and the varsity track team. He has served his community as a YMCA volunteer camp counselor, Study Hard Project volunteer, and a youth soccer referee. Sam Mulvey has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado; the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York.
Michael Pidgeon, Jermyn, PA
Michael Pidgeon is the son of Laureen and Paul Pidgeon. He graduated from Lakeland High School in 2021 and is currently employed at Gentex. Throughout his high school career, he was a member of the National Honor Society and secretary for the Future Business Leaders of America. He was a member and captain of both the varsity football team and the varsity track and field team. Michael Pidgeon has been nominated to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York.
Benjamin Schneider, Clarks Summit, PA
Benjamin Schneider is the son of William and Loretta Schneider and a senior at Abington Heights High School, where he is a member of the National Honor Society. Benjamin is also a member of the cross-country team, track and field team and the drama club. He has volunteered for the Fall Festival in Abington, the Festival of Ice in Clarks Summit and at his local church. Benjamin Schneider has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.
Wyatt Stelmak, Scranton, PA
Wyatt Stelmak is the son of Robert Stelmak and Maureen Krapf and a senior at Scranton Preparatory School. He is an honor roll student, captain of the cross-country team, and a member of the track and field team. He has served in his community as a summer camp counselor. Wyatt Stelmak has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.
Paige Watt, South Abington Township, PA
Paige Watt is the daughter of Stephen and April Watt and a senior at Abington Heights High School where she is an active member of the National Honor Society. Paige is involved in Science Olympiad and is president and co-founder of the Astronomy Club. She is also a member of the tennis team and powerlifting team. Paige serves her community by being active in her local church and participating in youth group. Paige Watt has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.
