Congressman Matt Cartwright has announced students from our area nominated for appointments to attend the United States service academies. Each student nominated by Cartwright will go through the academies’ competitive application process. If offered an appointment, the students will join their respective academy’s class of 2023.

“It is my distinguished honor to nominate these exceptional young men as candidates for appointment to our esteemed United States service academies,” Cartwright said. “Each student nominated is among the best and brightest of Northeastern Pennsylvania, and they represent the next generation of great American leaders.”

Cartwright’s Class of 2023 U.S. service academy nominees include:

Noah Rodgers, Jim Thorpe

Noah is the son of Vincent and Natalie Rodgers and a senior at Jim Thorpe Area High School. Throughout his high school career, Noah has been recognized for his achievements both in and out of the classroom. Noah is involved in the History Club, Spanish Club, Student Council, and the National Honor Society and was a state qualifier for Future Business Leaders of America. In addition to being an Eagle Scout, Noah is a member of the cross country, track and field, and cheerleading teams. Noah has been nominated to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.

Chris Whiteman, Lehighton

A member of the National Honor Society as well as a class officer. Chris is active in his church group and the Lions Club. He is the captain of the wrestling, baseball and football teams. He was awarded the 2018 President’s Volunteer Service Award for completing over 250 hours of community service in one year. Chris has been nominated to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland; the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York; and the United States Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Christopher Fredericks, Palmerton

Christopher is the son of Chris and Jessyca Fredericks and a senior at Palmerton Area High School. Throughout his high school career, Christopher has been recognized for his achievements both in and out of the classroom. He is active in helping suicide prevention through the Aevidum program. Christopher also participates in wrestling, football and track. Christopher has been nominated to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York.

Addison Howland, Lehighton

Addison is the son of William and Suzanne Howland. Throughout his high school career at Lehighton Area High School, Addison has been recognized for his achievements both in and out of the classroom. He is a member of SADD and spent time as a volunteer tutor. Addison has been elected and served as president of his class four times; he also serves as president of the National Honor Society. He is active in helping suicide prevention through Aevidum. He is a member of the varsity basketball and cross-country teams. Addison has been nominated to the United States Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Logan Mackes, Kresgeville

Logan is the son of Greg and Shannon Mackes. Throughout his high school career at Pleasant Valley High School, Logan has been recognized for his achievements both in and out of the classroom. He is a member of the National Honor Society, varsity soccer team and captain of the FC Pocono Elite soccer team. Logan also serves as class treasurer and organized numerous charitable events, including a shoe drive for victims of Hurricane Harvey. Logan has been nominated to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York.

Ryan Cappel, Orwigsburg

Ryan is the son of Dale and Cynthia Cappel. Throughout his high school career at Marian Catholic High School, Ryan has been recognized for his achievements both in and out of the classroom. Ryan is a team captain on both the varsity baseball and football teams. He is also active in the Red Cross Club and Future Business Leaders of America. Ryan has been nominated to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York.

Cartwright adds, “I want to thank these outstanding young adults for their willingness to commit to serving their country. They give me hope that our best days are surely ahead.”