NEW ULM, MN – Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) announced that he has nominated four southern Minnesota students to the nation’s service academies, all of whom have accepted appointments to their prospective institutions. Individuals nominated by Rep. Finstad include:

Luke Sems, Pine Island High School, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

Ava Austin, Rochester Century High School, U.S. Naval Academy

Jackson Ecker, Mankato East High School, U.S. Air Force Academy

Greg Meidl, Mankato West High School, U.S. Military Academy West Point

“Members of Congress have the distinct honor of nominating the next generation of military leaders to our country’s prestigious service academies, and it was a true honor to put forward the names of these four exceptional students,” said Rep. Finstad. “As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I know the commitment and dedication our nation requires of its servicemembers. Luke, Ava, Jackson, and Greg are among the best and brightest that Minnesota’s First District has to offer. I applaud and admire these bright young students for answering the call to serve.”  

Students accepted into U.S. service academies will earn a four-year university education with the commitment of serving in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. Congressman Finstad recently met with the 2025 nominees and their families to congratulate them on their achievements.

Pictured left to right: Luke Sems, Greg Meidl, Congressman Finstad, Jackson Ecker, and Ava Austin.

If you know a student who is interested in attending one of the U.S. service academies, please visit the Service Academy Nominations page for more information.