Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced and congratulated La Vernia High School senior Curtis Lackey on his acceptance into The United States Air Force Academy for the 2011-2012 academic school year.

“I take the responsibility of nominating students into service academies seriously,” Congressman Cuellar said. “During the extensive nomination process, Curtis had the kind of impressive resume and moral character I look for in nominees. I have no doubt that he will represent our 28th Congressional District in Texas to the best of his ability.”

Curtis was actively involved on his high school campus and in philanthropy. He maintained a 3.7 GPA while playing baseball and running track, being a member of the La Vernia Volunteer Fire Department and serving as Vice President of his senior class.
 
“Words cannot express the honor and gratitude I have for my acceptance to The United States Air Force Academy.  I could not imagine a better opportunity,” Curtis Lackey said. “I plan to make the most it and perform to the best of my ability.  I would like to thank Mr. Henry Cuellar for his nomination, as well as my family, for without them, I would not be where I am today."

Background:

The United States Air Force Academy is a federal service academy that provides undergraduates with not only a Bachelor’s degree, but also the training necessary to serve as an officer in the armed forces.
Acceptance to service academies is competitive, and most require a student to be nominated by a Member of Congress, United States Senator or the Vice President of the United States. In Congressman Cuellar’s 28th Congressional District of Texas, over 30 applicants applied to service academies and one spot was available for a student from the district into the U.S. Air Force Academy.
Congressman Cuellar’s decision on nominating Mr. Lackey came with the help of a distinguished interview panel which consisted of former academy graduates and community leaders.