Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton announced her nominations to the nation's four service academies. The nominees, including two from Floral Park, were chosen from a large group of qualified applicants, based on the recommendations of a selection committee appointed by the senator as well as factors including academic record, leadership potential and overall achievement.

"It is an honor for me to nominate these young New Yorkers to become future leaders in our nation's armed services. Our military academies are dedicated to instilling a sense of duty, excellence and a commitment to our nation in every one of their students. I am very proud of this year's nominees - they all have displayed both outstanding individual accomplishment and a dedication to serving our country. I wish them every success and hope they are accepted so they can fulfill their dreams," Senator Clinton said.

Rory Cunnane of Floral Park was nominated to the United States Military Academy (West Point, NY) and Christie Hegermiller, also of Floral Park, was nominated to the United States Naval Academy (Annapolis, MD). Receiving a nomination is only one of the requirements for gaining admission to the academies. Each academy will inform each applicant whether or not he or she will receive an offer of appointment.

Each member of Congress is allotted five spaces at each academy over the course of four years. Members of Congress are allowed to nominate up to 10 applicants to be considered equally for each space. This year, Senator Clinton nominated 10 candidates to be considered for her one vacancy at the Air Force, Military, Naval and Merchant Marine academies. While each member of Congress is only guaranteed their annual allotment of appointments, it is general practice that the service academies will also consider the remaining applicants for appointment outside the congressional quota, depending on student qualification and class size.