WASHINGTON, D.C.— Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) announced April 15 that three students she nominated have been accepted to U.S. Service Academies. Reed Proscia, of Freeport High School, and Alberto Cutone, of Kennebunk High School, will both attend the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, and Kaitlyn Dostie of Camden Hills Regional High School will attend the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y. 

“Earning acceptance to a U.S. Service Academy is an extraordinary accomplishment and a testament to a student’s hard work, leadership, and commitment to service,” said Pingree, in a news release. “Reed, Alberto, and Kaitlyn have each distinguished themselves through their academic achievements, strength of character, and dedication to serving something larger than themselves. I’m incredibly proud to have nominated them and thrilled to see them accepted to the Naval Academy and Merchant Marine Academy. I know they will represent Maine well, and I wish them every success as they begin this next chapter.”

Kaitlyn Dostie wrote in her nomination request: “The United States Merchant Marine Academy represents everything I value: service, challenge, discipline, and purpose. From my earliest maritime experiences to my academic preparation and extracurricular involvement, each step has strengthened my commitment to serving a greater mission and pursuing a life at sea. The motto of USMMA, ‘Acta Non Verba’ or ‘Deeds Not Words’, captures exactly how I strive to live. It is not enough to say I am committed; I must prove it through action, and USMMA will allow me to do so in service to my country. I am ready to embrace the Academy’s demands, both in and out of the classroom, and to grow into the kind of leader USMMA is known for producing.”

Alberto Cutone wrote in his nomination request: “I'm drawn to the Naval Academy because it's more than just college. It is a place that pushes you to be your best and values high standards. The chance to learn alongside people committed to service, academic excellence, and moral integrity is exactly the environment I want. I'm driven to grow and succeed, never resting on past achievements, and I believe the Naval Academy is where I can do that. Serving my country is a responsibility I hold with deep respect, and I'm eager to give everything I have to that mission. I don't know exactly what my future role in the Navy will be, but the idea of leading, growing, and serving with likeminded people deeply motivates me.”

And Reed Proscia wrote in her request: “My desire to serve as a commissioned officer in the United States Navy is rooted in my passion for leading people around me, whether it be my teammates as captain, my class as a student officer, or the future generation as their sports coach. Everything I have worked towards on the field and in the classroom aligns with the Naval Academy's commitment to developing physically and intellectually fit leaders of the country. I am confident my athletic and academic mindset have prepared me for the rigor of the Academy. I aim to lead with integrity, serving alongside others with the same mindset, and positively contribute to the Navy's mission.”

To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, applicants must be nominated by an authorized nominating source, which includes Members of Congress.