Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-4) will again host his Service Academy information session for Fourth District middle and high school students interested in learning more about serving our nation through service in a United States Service Academy.

    The Fourth District Academy Night will be held on Monday, April 28 at 7 p.m. in the Washington Township Senior Citizen Center, located at the intersection of Routes 130 and 526.

    Representatives from the U.S. Air Force, Military, Merchant Marine, Naval and Coast Guard Academies will make brief presentations and answer questions from students in attendance.

    “Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to nominate many outstanding young men and women to study and serve at one of our military academies,” Smith said.  “Academy Night offers students a great opportunity to talk directly to representatives from the nation’s service academies to learn more about the education options and personal challenges that exist at these institutions.”

    “Anyone considering studying at an academy should attend this valuable information session,” he added.

    Congressional nominations are needed for any students who plan to attend the Air Force, Military, Merchant Marine, or Naval Academies.  The Coast Guard does not require a Congressional nomination.

    Any resident of the Fourth Congressional District who is between the ages of 17-22 (25 for the Merchant Marie Academy), a US citizen, and single person with no dependents can seek a nomination to one of the four service academies through Smith’s office.

    The application typically begins during a student’s junior year in high school.  Applications must include SAT/ACT scores, an official high school transcript, an essay, three letters of recommendation, a photograph and a thorough listing of extracurricular activities.  Smith’s application deadline is November 1 for students seeking to begin service the following fall.