Rio Rancho residents nominated to US service academies

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Six young Rio Rancho residents were nominated for appointments to U.S. service academies this week by New Mexico's U.S. senators.

U.S. Sens. Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján nominated residents throughout the state to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York; and the U.S. Merchant Marines in Kings Point, New York.

“I’m proud to announce and congratulate my nominees for 2025. These students represent the very best of New Mexico, showing incredible dedication and a strong commitment to service. I applaud their decision to step forward and serve our country," Heinrich said in a news release. 

In his own release,  Ray Luján said he is "honored to nominate some of our state’s best and brightest to our United States service academies."

"These young leaders have distinguished themselves through academic excellence, character, and a deep sense of duty. Each student has demonstrated a commitment to serving our state and country, and I know they will continue to make New Mexico proud,"  Ray Luján said.

All nominees must meet each service academy's requirements for admission.

LUJAN NOMINATIONS

United States Air Force Academy

• Andrew Kevan 
• Aubrey Ytuarte
  

United States Merchant Marine Academy

• Aaron Lopez
  
• Nicholas Sirignano
  

United States Naval Academy

• Aidan Haddox
  
• Aubrey Ytuarte

HEINRICH NOMINATIONS

United States Air Force Academy

• Aaron Lopez 
• Aubrey Ytuarte
  

United States Naval Academy

• Andrew Kevan
  

United States Military Academy and United States Merchant Marines

• Isabella Jarvis