WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Jason Smith (Mo.) congratulated Missourians from the 8th Congressional District who accepted appointments to attend U.S. service academies. Out of all the qualified candidates throughout the district, only three students nominated by Smith received appointments: Colby Bailey of Festus will attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Lois Pippin of Imperial will attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and Michaley Krizman of Poplar Bluff will attend the U.S. Naval Academy. Smith released the following statement:

“Congratulations to Colby Bailey, Lois Pippin, and Michaley Krizman for earning their spot at one of our nation’s esteemed service academies. For over a hundred years, the U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Military Academy at West Point have prepared young Americans with the skills and training they need to become the next generation of military leaders.

“Earning a spot at these institutions is anything but easy. Each of these students are proven leaders who went above and beyond in the classroom and made a significant impact on others through community service. They will now take on the challenging but highly rewarding task of preparing for a career in military service. I know they have a very bright future ahead and I’m excited to see what they will accomplish.”

Colby Bailey, a graduate of Festus High School, will be attending the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Lois Pippin, a graduate of Fox High School in Arnold, will be attending the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Michaley Krizman, a graduate of Poplar Bluff High School, will be attending the U.S. Naval Academy.

Applicants are considered on the basis of leadership skills, academic success, physical ability, and extracurricular activities. A committee of Missouri residents reviewed each application and made nomination recommendations to Smith.

Smith is currently accepting applications for 2026 nominations to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. To receive a nomination packet via email, contact the congressman’s Farmington office at 573-756-9755 or email Donna.Hickman@mail.house.gov. The deadline for submissions is October 24, 2025.

Students, parents, and educators interested in learning more about academy life and the application process are encouraged to attend Academy Day. The event is from 9:30am-12:00p.m. on September 13, 2025, at the fieldhouse at Jefferson College in Hillsboro, Mo. Attendees will be able to meet with representatives from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. To register, please send an email to academyday2025@mail.house.gov.