Courtney Tucker nominated for Naval Academy
December 21, 2012
Senator Jim Risch has announced his nominations to the United States Military Academies for the 2013 school year, including Courtney Tucker, Moyie Springs, nominated for attendance at the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland.

In a letter recommending her nomination, Boundary County Commissioner Ron Smith wrote, "It is an honor for me to forward my highest recommendation for Courtney Tucker, who is seeking appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. I’ve watched this young woman excel in all endeavors, whether in sports, where she is a team leader in volleyball, basketball and track, lettering in each, in the classroom, where she maintains a 3.19 grade point average while taking the most demanding classes, or in the community, where she is a member of the Boundary County Youth Accountability Board and a regular volunteer at the Community Restorium.

"That she accomplishes all this while working to pay her own way speaks volumes for her motivation, dedication and drive. That she is seeking to further her education so as to serve her country as a U.S. Naval officer comes as no surprise; she comes from a family dedicated to public service; her father, John, as an agent with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, her grandfather, Bruce Whittaker, a U.S. Navy veteran, former Boundary County Sheriff and also as an agent of U.S. Customs.

"There is no doubt in my mind that, if granted the opportunity, Courtney will excel as a Midshipman and bring pride and honor to the Academy and to the U.S. Navy. She is a natural leader, she sets lofty goals and never fails to achieve them, not so much to better herself, but to make her better able to serve others."

The nominees were selected from dozens of applicants and will now be considered by each of the four academies for final selection.

“This year’s nominees have met the high standards required to attend our military academies and each of them have demonstrated a level of commitment to our nation that is commendable. They are each truly deserving of this honor and I applaud them for their efforts,” said Risch.

Those interested in applying for future nominations to the military academies can find details on Senator Risch’s website or by contacting Vicki Fulton at (208) 667-6130.

Other North Idaho students nominated by Risch were:

U.S. Air Force Academy: Evan Barton, Post Falls.

U.S. Naval Academy: David Freet, Coeur d’Alene, Steven Price, Dalton Gardens, and Aaron Wagoner, Athol.

U.S. Military Academy at West Point; Benjamin Whipple, Saint Maries; Joel (Parker) Heisey; Hayden, and Travis Griffard, Coeur d’Alene.

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy: Benjamin Whipple, Saint Maries.