Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar Announces 2025 Service Academy Appointments

Miami, FL – Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar (FL-27) proudly announced the appointment of four outstanding students from Florida’s 27th Congressional District to the United States Service Academies. These exceptional young men and women were nominated by the Congresswoman and accepted by their respective academies for the Class of 2029.

“It is an incredible honor to nominate such talented and patriotic young leaders to our nation’s prestigious service academies,” said Rep. Salazar. “I was deeply impressed by their passion to serve our country and defend America’s values around the world. I have no doubt they will represent South Florida with pride, strength, and excellence—and make our community proud.”

The appointed students are: 

• Lucia Castillo-Rios – U.S. Naval Academy
  • Palmetto Bay | Our Lady of Lourdes Academy
• Austin Nelson – U.S. Air Force Academy
  • Palmetto Bay | Cutler Bay Senior High
• Vasyl Romankiv – U.S. Air Force Academy
  • Miami | Palmetto Senior High School
• Natan Rowlands – U.S. Military Academy at West Point
  • Cutler Bay | Westminster Christian School

These appointments reflect the students’ academic achievements, leadership skills, and commitment to serving our country. Each service academy offers a rigorous education and military training, preparing cadets and midshipmen to become the next generation of officers in the United States Armed Forces.

Background

Our nation's service academies represent the gold standard of excellence, leadership, and integrity for America’s armed forces, making acceptance into these institutions an extraordinary honor and achievement. The honor of attending a U.S. service academy comes with a solemn obligation: graduates must serve at least five years in the U.S. military. Each year, the nomination process is highly competitive. Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar interviews many exceptional applicants from across the district, evaluating academic performance, leadership, character, and dedication to service.

Each congressional office may nominate up to fifteen individuals per academy vacancy. 

To request a nomination from Congresswoman Salazar, you can start by visiting Rep. Salazar’s website or by emailing FL27.ACADEMY@MAIL.HOUSE.GOV.