WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) congratulated students from the 8^th Congressional District who accepted appointments to attend U.S. service academies. Five students nominated by Smith received appointments: Christopher Bell of Festus will attend the U.S. Air Force Academy, Lily Coy of Jackson will attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Eli Edgy of Piedmont will attend the U.S. Air Force Academy, Grayson Maurer of Cape Girardeau will attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and Bruce Miller of Cape Girardeau will attend the U.S. Naval Academy. Smith released the following statement:

“Congratulations to Christopher Bell, Lily Coy, Eli Edgy, Grayson Maurer, and Bruce Miller on this well-deserved honor,” said Congressman Smith. “Being nominated to a service academy is one of the highest distinctions a young person can receive, and each of these students has earned it through hard work, dedication, and a commitment to something bigger than themselves.

“Our service academies are some of the top institutions in the world and will certainly challenge these students, but I have no doubt they will take the challenge head on and dutifully prepare for their careers in military service. I can’t wait to see what their future holds and all that they accomplish in this next season of their lives.”

On Sunday, April 26, Congressman Smith hosted the appointees and their families for a celebratory dinner in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri

Christopher Bell, Festus High School, will attend the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Lily Coy, Notre Dame High School, will attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and run cross country.

Eli Edgy, a home-schooled student from Piedmont, will attend the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Grayson Maurer, Notre Dame High School, will attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and run track.

Bruce Miller, Cape Central High School, will attend the U.S. Naval Academy.

Applicants are considered on the basis of leadership skills, academic success, physical ability, and extracurricular activities. A committee of community leaders and academy graduates, handpicked by Congressman Smith, review each application, interview the students and make nomination recommendations to Smith.

The Congressman is currently accepting applications for 2027 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 16, 2026.