U.S. Senator Katie Britt celebrates students nominated to service academies U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) celebrated two students from the River Region whom she nominated to attend our nation's service academies at the start of their academic year. They are among the 31 students chosen across the state of Alabama who will attend U.S. service academies this fall. U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala. ) celebrated two students from the River Region whom she nominated to attend our nation's service academies at the start of their academic year. They are among the 31 students chosen across the state of Alabama who will attend U.S. service academies this fall."I applaud these exceptional students who have chosen a path that exhibits their courage, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to service," Senator Britt said. She nominated Luke Catchings from Montgomery to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy."I do not doubt that Luke will excel at the Air Force Academy. He has already demonstrated remarkable leadership and determination, and I’m confident he will continue to succeed while serving our country." The second nominee from the River Region area is April Kim from Pike Road. Kim is nominated to attend the U.S. Naval Academy in the fall. The United States has five service academies to be nominated to, with three of them being within the United States Department of Defense: The United States Military Academy (West Point), the United States Naval Academy and the United States Air Force Academy.The United States Coast Guard Academy does not require a nomination and falls under the Department of Homeland Security. The United States Merchant Marine Academy is under the Department of Transportation. Each year, a limited number of highly qualified candidates are nominated by a member of the U.S. Senate. A nomination does not guarantee admission to a service academy.A woman has pleaded guilty to stealing $190K from Alabama sheriff's office. Pike Road students have returned back to the classroom. Save Our Streets nonprofit offers free back-to-school haircuts