U.S. Representative Jeff Denham has named Oakdale High School senior Sophia Hill as one of the 2016 service academy nominees from California’s 10th congressional district. Rep. Denham nominated 25 students from cities across the district to four of the nation’s prestigious military academies.

“One of my greatest honors representing the Valley is nominating these young men and women to our nation’s service academies,” said Rep. Denham. “Their patriotism and commitment to our country’s future is commendable, and I look forward to seeing their accomplishments in the years to come.”

Hill was nominated to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis.

Students seeking attendance at one of the military academies must be nominated by a U.S. Representative, U.S. Senator or the Vice President. Nominees are selected through a rigorous application and interview process and are chosen based on factors including academic achievement, leadership ability, physical aptitude, participation in extra-curricular activities and demonstration of character. Students may seek acceptance to more than one academy. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require nomination to attend.

Academy students commit to serving in the military for a minimum of five years active duty upon graduation. If their nominations are accepted, students will receive notice from the individual service academies in April 2017