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Nine students from Rep. Eric Swalwell’s 15th Congressional District, including two who hail from San Ramon, were recognized at a reception in Pleasanton last week as his nominees to the United States service academies.
“These young people, among our communities’ very finest, now are making a solemn commitment to serve and protect our nation,” Swalwell stated after the reception, which was held April 24 at the Veterans Memorial Building. “America’s military service academies are among the world’s top educational institutions, but also have earned their reputations for developing character and encouraging physical achievement.
“California’s 15th District should be proud of these nominees, and I expect they will continue making us proud for many years to come.”
Two San Ramon high school students are among the nominees.
Jae Y. Kim, 18, is graduating from Dougherty Valley High School and will attend the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.
Kim was born in Seoul, South Korea and moved to the United States in 2001. As a citizen of the Republic of Korea, Jae would have had to serve a mandatory two-year military conscription service upon turning 18. But he decided to give up his dual citizenship status and instead pursue a career in the U.S. Navy.
“I was grateful for the freedom and opportunity that this country has given to me and my family, so I have decided to dedicate my life to service to this country, my family, my peers, and to myself,” Kim said in a statement provided by Rep. Eric Swalwell’s office.
Michael E. Leonard, 18, will attend the U.S. Air Force Academy near Colorado Springs, Colo. after graduating from California High School.
A four-sport athlete earning varsity letters in cross country and track and field, Leonard is also a two-time youth soccer Referee of the Year.
“I would say that my most important character trait is my humility and my ability to gain people’s trust in order to lead them,” he stated.
The seven additional nominees are:
* Jonathan R. Liu, 18, of Pleasanton, who will attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.
* Jonah Ong, 18, of Pleasanton, will attend the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis
* Joshua D. Ott, 18, of Pleasanton will attend the U.S. Air Force Academy near Colorado Springs
* Fabio Salvioni, 18, of Pleasanton, will attend the U.S. Air Force Academy near Colorado Springs
* Samuel R. Lee, 18, of Union City, will attend the U.S. Air Force Academy near Colorado Springs
* Andre Lusan, 18, of Hayward, will attend the U.S. Military Academy in West Point
* Ryan M. Warren, 17, of Hayward, who will attend the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis.
Who are the two San Ramon high school students?
These are students that LIVE in San Ramon and attend San Ramon Valley District High Schools. The article didn’t say they attended SRVHS (in Danville).
It says Jae Kim and Michael Leonard.