Press Releases

U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) is proud to announce that six students from the Eighth Congressional District have been accepted to United States Service Academies.

“Recommending exceptional students from Northeastern Pennsylvania to our country’s military service academies is one of my greatest privileges,” Rep. Cartwright said. “I’m honored to represent the 8th Congressional District, which year after year continues to produce courageous students willing to serve our country. I look forward to seeing these young men and women flourish in their college education and wish them the best as they begin their military careers.”

Students in Congressman Cartwright’s district appointed to the Class of 2027 include:

• Frances Cocchini, Factoryville, will attend the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs
• Aden “A.J.” Dierksen, Milford, will attend the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland
• John Greenfield, Old Forge, will attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York
• Michael Huntington, Dallas, will attend the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland
• Tyler Lofberg, Hawley, will attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York
• Jocelyn Williams, West Wyoming, will attend the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

Frances Cocchini, the son of Richard and Tina Cocchini of Factoryville, was the salutatorian of his graduating class and served as captain of the varsity football team at Lackawanna Trail Junior-Senior High School. A varsity baseball player, he also served as class president and student council treasurer. A member of the National Honors Society and Spanish Honors Society, he received the College Board’s National Rural and Small-Town Recognition Award. Outside of the classroom, Cocchini earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America, was the Envirothon Team Captain, and was a Tomorrow’s Leaders Today graduate.

Aden Dierksen, the son of Donald and Tricia of Milford, ranked in the top 10% of his graduating class at Delaware Valley High School. The varsity wrestling team captain, he also served as the senior class vice president and executive officer in the National Honor Society. A varsity lacrosse player, he represented his lacrosse and wrestling teams on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and was in the Future Business Leaders of America. Outside of the classroom, Dierksen three times received the U.S. Naval Academy Summer Seminar “Blue and Gold” recognition, was a Keystone Boys State city manager, and was a Marywood Math competitor.

John Greenfield, the son of John and Marianne Greenfield of Old Forge, ranked in the top 6% of the Old Forge High School Class of 2022. A varsity football team captain and varsity baseball player, he received the All-American Gold Award for football, the President’s Award for Academic Excellence, and the V.F.W Scholarship Award. A member of the National Honor Society, he also attended the 2021 Keystone Boys State Program. After high school, he went on to serve in the ROTC at the University of Delaware and completed the Ranger Challenge. He was also a PFN All-State Fullback, recipient of the WNEP Super 16 Dream Team Selection, and served as a volunteer firefighter for the Taylor Hose Company.

Michael Huntington, the son of Amy and Richard Huntington of Dallas, is an alum of the Naval Academy Preparatory School and served as the student council vice president at Dallas High School. Captain of the varsity volleyball and travel ice hockey teams, he was also a member of the cross-country and track and field teams. He was also a member of the county, district and all-state bands, participated in drum corps, and was a member of the marching band. Outside the classroom, Huntington achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. A member of the Semper Fi Club at the Naval Academy Preparatory School, Huntington played on the school lacrosse team.

Tyler Lofberg, the son of Thomas and Laura Lofberg of Hawley, was ranked in the top 3% of his graduating class and served as the Scholastics Quiz Bowl team captain at Wallenpaupack Area High School. A member of the track team, he also played on the school golf team. A student ambassador, Lofberg was also a student/peer tutor and member of the Chess Club. A member of the National Honor Society, he received the National Honor Society Golf Award and was a National History Day of PA State Qualifier. Outside of the classroom, Lofberg was a junior fire lieutenant in his local volunteer fire department, earned the rank of Life Scout in the Boy Scouts of America, attended the Keystone Boys State Program of 2022, and earned the Junior Firefighter of the Year Award.

Jocelyn Williams, the daughter of Susan and Brian Williams of West Wyoming, was ranked in the top 4% of her class and served as the captain of the varsity softball and tennis teams at Wyoming Area Secondary Center. A varsity baseball and field hockey player, she also served as student council vice president, student council spirit leader, and class vice president. Treasurer of both the Ski and Spanish clubs, Williams also was a member of the National Honor Society and was a State Representative at the Future Business Leaders of America. Outside the classroom, she attended the Summer Seminar at the U.S. Naval Academy, received the Girl Scouts Bronze Award, and was an annual participant in Toys for Tots.  

To be appointed to a service academy, students must complete a rigorous and competitive application process. This includes submitting materials to the service academy of choice, obtaining a nomination, taking a fitness exam, and undergoing multiple interviews. The process to obtain a nomination is particularly challenging, and it involves submitting materials to Rep. Cartwright’s office and undergoing an interview before a specially selected board of interviewers.  

All five U.S. Service Academies require obtaining a Congressional nomination to attend. Once appointed, students earn the privilege of a free world class education which comes with a five-year service obligation upon graduation. 

To be considered for a nomination to a Military Service Academy, students should fill out an application HERE.