Costa Commends Madera and Fresno Students Accepted into U.S. Military Academies

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Jim Costa (CA-16) announced that students attending Madera High School, Liberty High School, Bullard High School, and Fresno City College have been accepted into our nation’s military academies.

“Each year, I have the distinct honor of nominating San Joaquin Valley students to our nation’s military academies, and this year, four of the individuals I nominated have been accepted into the academy of their choice,” said Rep. Costa. “To be nominated, students must not only excel academically, but also exhibit a passion for service and leadership. Eric, Mitchell, Connor, and Caleb are well-rounded and bright young men who are role models for their peers, and I am so proud of their hard work and efforts.”

In order to attend one of the military academies, students must receive a nomination from their Member of Congress. Students may apply to the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), the Air Force Academy, the Naval Academy, and the Merchant Marine Academy. Accepted students will receive a full scholarship, and upon graduation, they must complete the military service obligation requirement for each school.

Eric Niino, Jr.

School: Madera High School

GPA: 4.5

Community Involvement/Achievements: Eagle Scout; active in church; top of his senior class, active in his school’s Associated Student Body (ASB) as Spirit Commissioner; and captain for the water polo team.

Academy attending: West Point (Eric was nominated to three academies, West Point, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the Naval Academy, which is rare.)

Mitchell Soper

School: Fresno City College

High School: Edison High School, graduated in 2014

Community involvement/Achievements: Fresno City College football player; volunteer at USMC League, Detachment 14 Toys for Tots program and the Fresno Veterans Day Parade.

Academy attending: U.S. Naval Academy

Connor Vikupitz

High School: Bullard High School

GPA: 4.0

Community Involvement/Achievements: Team captain of football team and member of the school advance jazz band.

Academy attending: U.S. Air Force Academy

Caleb Wiens

High School: Liberty High School

GPA: 3.7

Community Involvement/Achievements: Team captain of cross country team, member of school clubs, and active in church.

Academy attending: U.S. Air Force Academy