WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) today announced that he has nominated 41 students from across the state of Alabama, including one from Cherokee County, to attend United States service academies.  Service academies include the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

Jonathan Dru Rainer of Cedar Bluff, Alabama, received a nomination to attend the U.S. Naval Academy.  He is the son of Elizabeth and Ryan Rainer and a student at Cherokee County High School. 

“I am proud to nominate this remarkable student to the United States Naval Academy,” said Senator Shelby.  “Jonathan Rainer is among the best and brightest in Alabama as evidenced by his performance both inside and outside the classroom.  I am confident that he will go on to accomplish great things.  It is my honor to recommend him, and I wish him success in his future endeavors.”

In order to be considered for a service academy nomination, applicants must be residents of Alabama and complete the required ACT or SAT exams.  They must also provide letters of recommendation, a school transcript, a completed medical examination, and a completed application form found on Senator Shelby’s website.

Although Senator Shelby nominated these students, the academy to which they received a nomination will make the final admission decision.