SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO-AM) U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) today announced that Audra Garrigan of Sioux Falls has been appointed to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Johnson nominated Garrigan for an appointment earlier this year.
“Academy appointments are an honor and go to the best and brightest students in the nation,” Johnson said. “Audra has the leadership qualities and academic dedication that will enable her to succeed at the Naval Academy. I congratulate her on this honor and wish her the best of luck.”
Garrigan is a senior at O’Gorman High School where she is co-captain of the debate team, a member of the Student Senate and co-captain of Student Congress. She attended Girls State in 2013 where she was elected as a Supreme Court Justice and also volunteers at Children’s Care Hospital and School.
“When I encounter a challenge, I seek to work through the obstacles and to overcome any limitations either physical or mental,” Audra wrote in her application to Johnson. “The rigors of Academy life would allow me to grow as an ethical, honorable, and proud person.”
In order to be appointed to a service academy, young women and men must be of good character and must meet strict requirements in academics, physical aptitude, medical fitness, character, and leadership potential. Applicants must also meet the minimum medical requirements of the respective academies which are reviewed by the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board. Candidates must receive a nomination from a member of Congress or from the Vice President of the United States.
Johnson announced that the following students also received appointments to Service Academies:
Scout Gambill, Hot Springs High School, United States Military Academy
Elizabeth Foy, O’Gorman High School, United States Military Academy
Daniel Kurtzahn, South Dakota State University, United States Military Academy
Isaac Althoff, O’Gorman High School, United States Naval Academy
Alexis Blindauer, Mitchell High School, United States Military Academy
Arthur Hines, Huron High School, United States Naval Academy