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Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) announced today the accepted of three Alexander High School students into U.S. Service Academies and a U.S. Service Academy Preparatory School.

Alexander High School students Diego Mendez, Christina Gonzalez and Andie Martinez were recently nominated by Congressman Cuellar and accepted into the United States Air Force Academy, the United States Naval Academy, and the United States Naval Academy Preparatory School, respectively.

Gabriel Acosta from United High School was also accepted into the U.S. Naval Academy. An official announcement will be made for Gabriel at United High School on Tuesday, April 18.

Each year, Congressman Cuellar provides service academy nominations to the military academies. Nominees must participate in a lengthy review process that evaluates their academic history, leadership skills, extracurricular activities and personal accomplishments.

“Nominating students from the 28th District of Texas to military service academies is a responsibility I take very seriously,” Congressman Cuellar said. “Every year, over 12,000 students meet the requirements for application into these academies and only 1,000 actually receive offers of appointment. Alexander and United ISD have put forth incredible students that I was proud to nominate. Diego, Christina and Andie had impressive test scores, GPAs and extensive community service.

“This year, we’re celebrating the largest acceptance rate we’ve ever had in Laredo, with three students from Alexander High School and one from United High School. I am very proud of our community and these exceptional students, as are their parents, friends and teachers, because not only have they have excelled in school, but they have made the decision to serve their country.”

Congressman Henry Cuellar recognizes three Alexander High School students on their recent acceptance into the U.S. Air Force Academy (Diego Mendez), the U.S. Naval Academy (Christina Gonzalez), and the Naval Academy Preparatory School (Andie Martinez). Pictured from left to right are Andie Martinez, Diego Mendez, Christina Gonzalez and Congressman Cuellar.

About the students

Diego Mendez

Son of Ricardo and Delia Mendez and a senior at Alexander High School, Diego was recently nominated by Congressman Cuellar and accepted into the United States Air Force Academy for the fall semester of 2017, where he will be receiving an education worth $400,000.

Diego has maintained a 3.85 GPA, posted a 1240 on his SAT and is member of the National Honor Society. He has earned the top rank of Eagle Scout and has also played a role in founding both the Junior Hands Across South Texas charity, which aids battered women and children, and the Tutor Club at Alexander. Diego volunteers with Relay for Life and is a member of Blessed Sacrament Church.

Christina Gonzalez

Daughter of Yvonne and Gerardo Gonzalez and senior at Alexander High School, Christina was nominated by Congressman Cuellar and offered acceptance into the U.S. Naval Academy for the fall semester of 2017, where she will be receiving an education worth approximately $193,000.

Christina has maintained a 4.18 GPA and ranks within the top 3 percent of her class. She scored an 1160 on her SAT. She is Varsity Volleyball Captain and a member of the Dental Club and the Superintendent’s Student Advisory, and volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters, LifeTeen and Health Occupations for Students in America (HOSA).

Andie Martinez

Daughter of Brenda and Robert Martinez and senior at Alexander High School, Andie was nominated by Congressman Cuellar and was selected to attend the U.S. Naval Academy Preparatory School, also known as NAPS, where she will prepare for life at the Naval Academy. Getting accepted into NAPS is highly competitive, as they only select around 250 students out of an estimated 15,000 students who apply to the Naval Academy each year.

Andie has maintained a 3.78 GPA and scored an 1140 on her SAT. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Society and the Student Council. She also serves as Organizing President of Key Club International and the Captain of the Dazzler J.B. Alexander High School Dance & Drill team. She has logged in over 1,000 volunteer hours assisting with Jeans for Teens, Reading to Kids with the HOST Program, the local soup kitchen and the HEB Feast of Sharing.