Two students from Forked River were honored as part of a larger group of local students who will soon be joining the Class of 2028 at the U.S. military service academies.

At a recent ceremony at RWJBarnabas Health Community Medical Center in Toms River, Rep. Chris Smith recognized and honored the cohort of eight students from the Fourth Congressional District whom he nominated.

Among those eight are Forked River locals Emily Wilczek, who will be attending the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and Matthew Gauthier, attending the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

“I join your parents, family and friends in congratulating each of you on a truly remarkable achievement—you have all been chosen to represent the Fourth Congressional District at one of the prestigious United States Service Academies,” said Smith, who presented each cadet with an American flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol in their honor at his request.

“Most of you haven’t even graduated high school yet—just a few more days to go—but you are eagerly looking ahead to your next chapter, leading other men and women in uniform in the defense of our nation,” Smith said.

Among the distinguished guests at the Monday ceremony was keynote speaker Colonel Elizabeth Hanson, Commander of the 305th Air Mobility Wing at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, who shared lessons in leadership gathered from her 25 years in uniformed service, including as an officer leading nearly 3,000 servicemembers.

The students who were honored are as follows:

• Jake Blomquist from Spring Lake—U.S. Military Academy at West Point;
• John “Jay” Graham from Toms River—U.S. Military Academy at West Point;
• Robert Maravelias from Colts Neck—U.S. Military Academy at West Point;
• Emily Wilczek from Forked River—U.S. Military Academy at West Point;
• Nicholas Volkov from Tinton Falls—U.S. Naval Academy;
• Declan Leary from Lincroft—U.S. Naval Academy;
• Gerard Flynn from Eatontown—U.S. Merchant Marine Academy; and
• Matthew Gauthier from Forked River—U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

“I—we, all of us—deeply respect the hard work that got you here,” Smith said. “We all know that it will take persistence, commitment, courage and devotion to God and country to succeed—and succeed you will.”

Top: Rep. Smith, Nicholas Volkov ,Robert Maravelias, Jake Blomquist, Matthew Gauthier, RJWBarnabas CEO Patrick Ahearn. Bottom: Gerard Flynn, John Graham, Emily Wilczek, Colonel Elizabeth Hanson. Not pictured: Declan Flynn. (Courtesy of Rep. Chris Smith)

Smith also thanked the families of the cadets for supporting their loved ones in this important mission to serve our country.

“A strong and well-trained military with a world-class officer corps is the key to deterring aggression from any number of dictators and threats,” he said. “The deterrence—procured by a military capability second to none—makes Americans and our allies safer.”

“As each of you become leaders of the most important fighting force on earth, know that our hopes and prayers are with you,” Smith said.

Each year, Smith hosts an Academy information night. Students must apply for consideration for a nomination. For more information, visit Congressman Smith’s Academy Information Page.