RELEASE: Gottheimer Hosts Fifth District Service Academy Ceremony, Celebrates Accepted Students

Above: Gottheimer with this year’s Fifth District students accepted into U.S. service academies.

BERGENFIELD, NJ — Today, May 3, 2025, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) hosted a ceremony at the Bergenfield VFW Hall to celebrate the 19 Fifth District high school students he nominated and who were accepted to one of the four U.S. service academies this year: the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

Video of the event can be found here.

Gottheimer selected the students through the counsel of his Service Academy Selection Committee, comprised of local leaders and veterans who have served in different branches of the armed forces. Gottheimer and the Committee evaluated applicants based on academics, leadership, character, and a demonstrated commitment to service.

“We are here today because of these incredible nominees who, at such a young age, already represent the very best of our communities,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “Each year, I’m blown away by everything they do — from athletics to academics to community service. Their nomination to one of our four prestigious military academies is a recognition of their excellence, and I’m incredibly grateful to them and all those who make the commitment to serve our country.”

Gottheimer was joined by NJ Senator Gordon Johnson, Bergen County Commissioner Tom Sullivan, Tenafly Mayor Mark Zinna, Glen Rock Councilwoman Maureen Rozanski, Fair Lawn Deputy Mayor Josh Reintz, and Fifth District students and their families.

The full list of students nominated by Gottheimer and accepted to attend one of the renowned service academies is below:

U.S. Military Academy Accepted Nominations:

Peter Forsdahl of Emerson

Zachary Kramer of Woodcliff Lake

Ryan Nam of Englewood Cliffs

Devin Ryan of New Milford

Sophia Lee Rose of Mahwah

Sungjoon Choi of Glen Rock

Naomi Bekkerman of Ridgewood

Jeremy Min of Fort Lee

Sofia Lee of Paramus

Maxim Maslov of Ridgewood

Martin Kim of Cresskill

U.S. Naval Academy Accepted Nominations:

Keith Song of Palisades Park

Cooper Kurtz of Alpine

Angelina Kim of Tenafly

U.S. Air Force Academy Accepted Nominations:

Eunkyul Hwang of Hillsdale

Jack Peck of Fair Lawn

Matthew Lhi of Closter

Jacob Volynsky of Tenafly

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Accepted Nominations:

Andrew McDade of Ramsey

Below: Gottheimer with this year’s Fifth District students accepted into U.S. service academies.

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