One of the most challenging aspects of receiving an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy is first being nominated by a member of the United States Senate or House of Representatives. Potential nominees must submit applications which include: letters of recommendation; high school transcripts; resumes including extracurricular activities; leadership roles; awards and honors; community involvement; work experience and athletics; an essay; and official SAT or ACT test score. Potential nominees are then interviewed and evaluated by an Academy Nominee Selection Board.

California is a highly competitive state for nominations. Each year thousands of very well qualified students apply to their senators and representatives for a service academy nomination. Each member of Congress and U.S. Senator may have no more than five appointees in each of the service academies.

On Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017, U.S. Congressman Scott Peters presented seven high school seniors in his district (CA-52) with nominations to the United States Air Force Academy for the class of 2021. Coronado High School senior Maxwell Stangl was awarded a nomination for his outstanding academic achievements, values-based leadership qualities, community engagement and strength of character.

Stangl is a member of the National Honors Society, AP Scholar, Coronado Police Explorer-Post 150, proud Eagle Scout, and a Co-Captain of the Coronado High School Sailing Team.

Stangl recently accepted his appointment to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. All cadets at the USAFA earn a bachelor’s degree and are commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Air Force. Maxwell plans to study Military and Strategic Studies and then hopes to become an Air Liaison Officer or attend Undergraduate Pilot Training in order to fly for the Air Force.