Sen. Jon Tester on Monday nominated four Missoula students to the nation’s most prestigious U.S. military schools, including the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S Military Academy at West Point.

The four Missoula-area students were among 34 students nominated by Tester in the latest round and were based on their academic accomplishments and commitment to serve in the Armed Forces, among other qualifying factors.

A nomination from a member of Congress is the first step in students’ applications to the four schools.

"I’m proud to nominate Montana’s best and brightest students to our nation’s most prestigious military academies each year,” Tester said. “These young men and women have earned this honor through their hard work in and out of the classroom, and I’m looking forward to watching them become the next generation of leaders to serve our state and this country.”

The four area students include:

Dane Becker: U.S. Air Force Academy. “Dane is captain of the varsity soccer team and swim teams. He is also an Eagle Scout, assistant soccer coach, and member of the National Honor Society. He attends Hellgate High School.”

Riley Horton: U.S. Air Force Academy. “Riley is a varsity swimmer and track and field athlete. He is an Eagle Scout Patrol Leader and National Honor Society member. He attends Big Sky High School.”

Simon McMahon: U.S. Military Academy. “Simon was a varsity track state champion and captain of his club swim team. He was also a member of the National Honor Society and Model United Nations. He currently attends Xavier University and graduated from Hellgate High School.”

Samuel Weisenburger: U.S. Air Force Academy; U.S. Military Academy; U.S. Naval Academy; U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. “Samuel is a Shooting National Junior Olympian. He is active in Civil Air Patrol, is a member of the Clearwater Resource Council, a National Honor Society member, Leo Club leader, and attended Boys State. He attends Seeley-Swan High School.”

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