Central Illinois students learn about service academies during open house

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Area high school students got a chance Wednesday night to learn about the nation’s service academies.

An “Academy Open House” was held at the Illinois Air National Guard’s 182nd Airlift Wing which is based at the Gen. Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport. The event was hosted by the guard and U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood.

The Peoria Republican and other members of Congress are allowed to nominate students for an appointment to one of the prestigious academies. He said giving the nominations is one of the neatest things he gets to do as a member of Congress.

“I have met a number of young men and women here tonight that would be great candidates to nominate,” LaHood said. “So we look forward to receiving their applications and helping them get across the finish line.”

The open house was also a chance, said Tech. Sgt. Luke Clift of the 182nd, for students to talk to representatives from the five service academies and learn how to apply.

“It’s an opportunity for those students looking to apply to service academies to have a one-stop shop for all the information they will need,” Clift said.

The five academies represented included the United States Military Academy at West Point , the United States Naval Academy , the United States Coast Guard Academy , the United States Merchant Marine Academy and the United States Air Force Academy .

One of the students attending the event, Adam Stamislewski, said he enjoyed the presentations and was interested in information from the Air Force.

“I came to learn information about the Academy,” he said. “I have always been involved with the Boy Scouts since a young age, I’m about to become an Eagle Scout and I thought this would be a great way to continue my education.”

More information about the 182nd Air Force Wing is available here .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com.