Press Releases
Larsen-Nominated Students to Attend Prestigious U.S. Service Academies
Washington, DC,
June 15, 2017
Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), today announced that nine Washington students he nominated to U.S. Service Academies have accepted offers for the Class of 2021. Allison R. Kleindon of Oak Harbor will attend the United States Military Academy at West Point; Dean P. Testment of Oak Harbor will attend the U.S. Naval Academy; Jonathan B Billingslea of Oak Harbor will attend the United States Military Academy at West Point; Tarra A. Moore of Langley will attend the United States Air Force Academy; Christina A. Dominowski of Arlington will attend the U.S. Naval Academy; Ian A. Fujinaka of Arlington will attend the United States Military Academy at West Point; Jordan M. Burtt of Brier will attend the United States Military Academy at West Point; Tiffany A. Johnstone of Marysville will attend the U.S. Naval Academy, and; Harrison P. Goodrich of Lopez Island will attend the U.S. Naval Academy. “The Second Congressional district is home to some of the most talented young people in Washington state,” said Larsen. “Each year I have the privilege to nominate students to attend military service academies and I am always impressed by students' achievements and commitment to public service. I applaud these young women and men for choosing careers of service to the United States, and I congratulate them on their acceptance to these prestigious institutions and I wish them luck in their future military careers.” Allison R. Kleindon of Oak Harbor will attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Kleindon first became interested in the service academies when her Grandfather gave her a tour of the Air Force Academy where he had previously graduated and taught classes. “I found [my grandfather’s] love for the academy and his classmates inspiring and knew that if I was going into the military as an officer, I would need to look into an academy,” said Kleindon. “After attending all of the Summer Seminars and West Point's Summer Leader Experience, I knew the academies were a perfect fit for me.” Dean P. Testeman of Oak Harbor will attend the U.S. Naval Academy. Testeman, an Eagle Scout, says he was motivated to apply to a Service Academy because he wanted to serve and carry on both his family’s legacy of service and the legacy of service of those who came before him. Jonathan B. Billingslea of Oak Harbor will attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. “I want to become a better leader and I want to protect the nation,” said Billingslea. Tarra A Moore of Langely will attend the U.S. Air Force Academy. Moore attended South Whidbey High School and says her motivation to apply to the Service Academy because she wanted to attend one of the toughest schools in the country as well as serve her country. Christina A. Dominowski of Arlington will attend the U.S. Naval Academy. Dominowski will graduate from Arlington High School. She hopes to major in computer science or mechanical engineering. “I love how supportive the communities are and the camaraderie the students have among each other,” said Dominowski. “I hope to be an inspiration for many other girls to pursue a career in the military.” Ian A. Fujinaka of Arlington will attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Fujinaka has been a member of the Civil Air Patrol for the last seven years and was motivated to attend a Service Academy because it is the highest level of service he could think of. Jordan M. Burtt of Brier will attend the United States Military Academy at West Point. Burtt graduated from Kings High School in Shoreline. He applied to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point because he wanted to make a difference. “I don't want to stand on the sidelines and watch what is happening in the world,” said Burtt. “I want to be involved in shaping the future of our country. I see being an Army Officer as the perfect vehicle to accomplish this and West Point as the premier leadership training program in the world. I'm honored to be a part of it.” Tiffany A. Johnstone of Marysville will attend the U.S. Naval Academy. Johnstone attended the Naval Academy Preparatory School this past year. She was motivated to apply to attend a Service Academy by the opportunity for challenge. “I seek to challenge myself each and every day,” said Johnstone. “I enjoy learning and problem-solving through adversity and I perceived the academies as places I could achieve those goals.” Harrison P. Goodrich of Lopez Island will attend the U.S. Naval Academy. Goodrich attended the Naval Academy Preparatory School this past year. He was ranked number one in his high school class and served on the student council at Lopez Island High School. Goodrich is a volunteer firefighter and a Student Emergency Medical Services member, a role in which he assists with the Island paramedics and EMTs. When asked what motivated him to apply to attend a Service Academy, Goodrich responded, “I live in the best country in the world and it would be an honor to serve her.” Larsen recently announced that his office is now accepting applications for the class of 2022. More information can be found on his website. |