La Vernia student, Brianna LeFrere has been offered an appointment to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Brianna, a senior at La Vernia High School, received a nomination from Congressman Henry Cuellar to enter the Academy. 

Congressman Cuellar says Briana was an obvious choice for his nomination.  “Briana is a bright student who I was pleased to nominate,” said Congressman Cuellar.  “She will make her family, her school and her hometown proud, as I am of her achievements.”

Congressman Cuellar accepts applications for nominations to the United States Service Academies each year.   Four year service academies include the Military Academy (Army), Air Force Academy, Naval Academy and Merchant Marine Academy.  These institutions prepare college-age Americans to be commissioned as officers in the active or reserve components of the United Sates armed services for a minimum of 5 years upon graduation.  Congressman Cuellar considers outstanding young men and women from the 28th Congressional District of Texas.

Nominations are made on a strictly competitive basis. Therefore, Congressman Cuellar has established an Academy Nominations Selection Committee that determines nominations based solely on the candidate's qualifications. Candidates are judged on their scholastic achievements, leadership performance, athletic participation, community service, and motivation.

Briana is very accomplished in academics.  She is an Honor Roll student (all four years of high school), top student in Business Computer Information Systems, received a 6th place medal in UIL Headline Writing, a NASA High School Aerospace Scholar member, and participated in the United States Air Force Academy summer seminar.

Briana is also active in sports having been a member of the Junior Varsity Tennis Team, earned a Varsity letter her Junior year, and served as Tennis Team Captain her Senior year. She also received 2nd place in the Girls Doubles District Tennis Tournament, and participated in the All-Star Roller Hockey Team for ten years, and served as Team Captain.

Furthermore, on her spare time, Briana tutors Algebra and Geometry, while volunteering at La Vernia Nursing Home.

If you or someone you know wishes to be considered for a nomination to attend any of the service academies, please contact Jennifer Dillard at (830) 401-0457 or 1-877-780-0028.

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Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the House Homeland Security, Small Business,
and Agriculture Committees in the 110th Congress.  Accessibility to constituents, education, health care and economic development are his priorities.