Rounds Announces Nominations to U.S. Service Academies for 2026-2027 School Year

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today announced that he has nominated South Dakota students for appointments to the nation's service academies.

Rounds nominated Emma Kinyon of Rapid City as his principal nominee to the U.S. Naval Academy, Esten Foss of Aberdeen as his principal nominee to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and Malia Kranz of Watertown as his principal nominee to the U.S. Air Force Academy.

"Each fall, I have the honor of nominating South Dakota students to attend our military service academies. These students are some of the best and the brightest our state has to offer," said Rounds. "The U.S. service academies are among the most elite educational institutions in the world. After receiving a top-notch education, these South Dakotans will serve our country as active-duty military officers. They've worked hard to earn these nominations. We're proud of these students and their desire to serve our nation."

Emma Kinyon of Rapid City - Principal Nominee, U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis)

Emma is the daughter of Jason Kinyon and Megan Byrd. Emma is currently a senior at Rapid City Stevens High School, where she participates in FIRST Robotics, National Science Bowl and the Rapid City Youth Council. She also plays the viola in the school orchestra and plays on the varsity girls soccer team. Emma has also spent two summers conducting research with the Army Educational Outreach Program through the South Dakota School of Mines. Emma is a National Honor Society member and currently holds a 3.9 GPA.

"I'm deeply grateful to have received the principal nomination to the United States Naval Academy from Senator Mike Rounds," said Kinyon. "The academy has been a goal of mine for the past 3 years and I'm incredibly thankful for the peers, mentors, and teachers that have inspired me along the way. I'm also deeply grateful for my friends, family, and Senator Mike Rounds for their confidence in me. I'm excited, not only for the opportunity to improve myself mentally, morally, and physically, but to be a part of the U.S. Navy's obligation to protect and ensure democracy around the world, and to offer my skills and abilities in defense of freedom and peace."

Esten Foss of Aberdeen - Principal Nominee, U.S. Military Academy (West Point)

Esten is the son of Kevin and Kerri Foss of Aberdeen, South Dakota. He is captain of the cross country and wrestling teams and participates in track and field. Esten is a member of the National Honor Society and currently holds a 3.96 GPA. Esten volunteers at Bethlehem Lutheran Church and he planned a car wash fundraiser that raised $4,000 for Aberdeen area veterans.

"I am extremely honored to represent my school, state, and country at the US Military Academy, and I look forward to upholding their motto of Duty, Honor, and Country for the next four years and beyond," said Foss. "This has been a dream and a primary goal of mine since middle school, and the entire process has taught me about myself and the importance of leadership and integrity. I would like to thank my friends, family, teachers, and all those who helped and supported me throughout this application and my time in high school. Go Army!"

Malia Kranz of Watertown - Principal Nominee, U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs)

Malia is the daughter of Raymond and Julianne Kranz. She is a 2-time state champion track and field athlete and plays on the varsity basketball team. Malia also serves as an Arrow Ambassador and on the Watertown High School student council. She also volunteers as a mentor at Watertown Intermediate School, as a Kindness Lesson Leader for elementary students and as a recess monitor at Mellette Elementary. Malia is a member of National Honor Society and currently holds a 4.0 GPA.

"I am deeply grateful to Senator Mike Rounds for the principal nomination to the United States Air Force Academy," said Kranz. "Without the relentless encouragement from my family, friends, and community, this opportunity would not have been possible. I am eager to take on the challenges ahead and honored to serve our nation with integrity, discipline and dedication."

In addition to principal nominees, Rounds may send up to 14 competitive nominees per academy for consideration by that academy. Each service academy admission board gives full and fair consideration to these nominees and will determine final appointments. Rounds has selected the students listed below to receive a competitive nomination.

U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis)

• Emma Kinyon of Rapid City - Principal
• Weston Baker of Brookings - Competitive
• Miles Bender of Sioux Falls - Competitive
• Camden Bjergaard of Hartford - Competitive
• Kiersten Blacker of Spearfish - Competitive
• Jacob DeYoung of Tea - Competitive
• William Hanzlik of Chamberlain - Competitive
• Bennett Jensen of Dakota Dunes - Competitive
• Lincoln Mansfield of Hurley - Competitive
• Jaxson Muck of Stickney - Competitive
• Abigail Nichols of Pierre - Competitive
• Grace Olson of Sioux Falls - Competitive
• Grant Roth of Sioux Falls - Competitive
• Trinidy Sorenson of Sioux Falls - Competitive
• Anders Van Olson of Yankton - Competitive

U.S. Military Academy (West Point)

• Esten Foss of Aberdeen - Principal
• Weston Baker of Brookings - Competitive
• Miles Bender of Sioux Falls - Competitive
• Camden Bjergaard of Hartford - Competitive
• Kanin Booth of Summerset - Competitive
• Jacob DeYoung of Tea - Competitive
• Bennett Jensen of Dakota Dunes - Competitive
• Emma Kinyon of Rapid City - Competitive
• Abigail Nichols of Pierre - Competitive
• Grace Olson of Sioux Falls - Competitive
• Grant Roth of Sioux Falls - Competitive
• Trinidy Sorenson of Sioux Falls - Competitive
• Anders Van Olson of Yankton - Competitive

U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs)

• Malia Kranz of Watertown - Principal
• Weston Baker of Brookings - Competitive
• Miles Bender of Sioux Falls - Competitive
• Camden Bjergaard of Hartford - Competitive
• Kanin Booth of Summerset - Competitive
• Levi Brechtel of Rapid City - Competitive
• Max Cook of Gregory - Competitive
• Esten Foss of Aberdeen - Competitive
• Bennett Jensen of Dakota Dunes - Competitive
• Jaxson Muck of Stickney - Competitive
• Tyler Mueller of Rapid City - Competitive
• Abigail Nichols of Pierre - Competitive
• Grant Roth of Sioux Falls - Competitive
• Jaxson Sodini of Madison - Competitive
• Anders Van Olson of Yankton - Competitive

U.S. Merchant Marines Academy (Kings Point)

• Abigail Nichols of Pierre - Competitive
• Grace Olson of Sioux Falls - Competitive
• Anders Van Olson of Yankton - Competitive

BACKGROUND:

Students interested in attending a service academy go through a rigorous application process. Because the academies are highly competitive, students must meet eligibility requirements in leadership, physical fitness, character and academics. The young people joining the military directly from the academies are among the highest caliber our country has to offer, which is a result of the challenging training and education they received at service academies. Students applying for service academies are required to receive a Congressional nomination as part of the application process. Those appointed receive a scholarship and military appointment and are required to serve in the military for at least five years upon graduation.

Individuals interested in applying for a service academy nomination for academic year 2027-2028 (Class of 2031) should apply by October 10, 2026. Questions about the academy nomination application process can be directed to Rounds' Rapid City office by calling (605) 343-5035 or by emailing [email protected].

An informational packet and the application packet can be found on Rounds' website at https://www.rounds.senate.gov/constituents/academy-nominations.

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