Corvallis Gazette-Times

Congresswoman Darlene Hooley (OR-5) has nominated two Corvallis students for candidacy at the distinguished Air Force Academy. Hooley nominated Corvallis residents Matt and his brother Andrew Richardson. Each were nominated for showing outstanding leadership qualities, a strong academic aptitude and a commitment to public service.

Every year, Hooley nominates a select group of candidates for appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at King’s Point. Securing a congressional nomination does not guarantee an offer of admission or an appointment to a military academy, but is a critical step in the highly competitive application process.

Andrew attends Santiam Christian High School and is ranked 18th in a class of 82 with a 3.94 GPA. He served as junior and senior class presidents and plays on the football and basketball teams.

Matt graduated from Santiam Christian High School in 2007 and attends New Mexico Military Institute. He received a Falcon prep scholarship.