[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 91 (Tuesday, May 25, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3418-S3419]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  UTAH 2021 SERVICE ACADEMY APPOINTEES

 Mr. LEE. Madam President, it is my distinct pleasure to 
recognize 13 exemplary men and women who are among the best and 
brightest that Utah has to offer. These individuals have answered the 
call to service by applying and receiving appointments to the U.S. Air 
Force Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, the U.S. Military 
Academy, and the U.S. Naval Academy.
  As a Member of Congress, it is my privilege under title 10 of the 
United States Code to nominate a number of young men and women to 
attend these iconic service academies. However, receiving a 
congressional nomination does not guarantee acceptance. To be admitted, 
each applicant must meet--on his or her own merits--the academies' 
rigorous standards.
  I am happy to report that all of the appointees being recognized 
today surpassed the expected standards. Not only have they demonstrated 
their impressive mental and physical aptitude, they have also shown 
their high moral character, the capacity for leadership, courage, 
honesty, prudence, and self-discipline. These appointees maintain a 
steadfast commitment to service and to standing up for our country. 
They emulate the foundational character qualities upon which our 
service academies are built.
  I can say, without hesitation or exaggeration that you would be hard-
pressed to find a more accomplished, talented, patriotic group of 
American citizens anywhere. They will be a credit to our Nation as they 
set off for Colorado Springs, Kings Point, West Point, and Annapolis. I 
look forward to seeing what they accomplish in the years to come. I am 
honored to recognize and congratulate these fine Utahns in the U.S. 
Senate.
  Grace Bales, from Heber City, UT has accepted an appointment to the 
U.S. Air Force Academy. She is a graduate of Shattuck-St. Mary's School 
in Minnesota where she was captain of the soccer team and earned 
academic all-State honors. She was a high school student ambassador and 
member of the student government. She helped lead the cooking club and 
participated in a number of activities including the knowledge bowl and 
debate. Grace recently attended the University of Texas Dallas, where 
she played soccer.
  Wyatt Wayne Gleed graduated from Stansbury High School and will soon 
enter the U.S. Naval Academy. An Eagle Scout, he maintained a 4.0 GPA 
while taking challenging classes and was a member the National Honor 
Society. He earned academic all-State honors for cross country while 
his team became the two-time 4A State champions. Wyatt is a champion 
archer, an officer in the Technology Student Association, and a member 
of the Math, Engineering, Science, Achievement, MESA, Team.
  Hailey Patricia Holland, from Logan, UT, has accepted an appointment 
to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. A graduate of George C. 
Marshall High School in Virginia, Hailey was a member of the AFJROTC, 
Model UN, and cross country and track teams. She participated in Utah's 
Chinese dual immersion classes and was selected for Girls State. Grace 
served as president of her church youth group and participated in Color 
Guard honors at community events. This nationally ranked triathlete 
will follow her father's footsteps into the Army.
  Patrick Walker Hoopes accepted an appointment to the U.S. Air Force 
Academy. A 2020 graduate of Skyridge High School, Patrick has spent 
this year at the Air Force Academy Preparatory School. In high school, 
he earned the title of ``Utah State'' All-Around Gymnastics Champion 
and qualified for nationals. He enjoys snowboarding, camping, and 
videography, including his work on The Ridge, his high school video 
production program.

[[Page S3419]]

  Eva Fern Huber, after receiving multiple service academy 
appointments, has chosen to attend the U.S. Naval Academy. She stayed 
busy at Cyprus High School as a student body officer and captain of the 
tennis and basketball teams. She was a member of the National Honor 
Society and assisted her fellow students as a member of the Hope Squad. 
Eva was selected for Girls State and participated in the FBI Teen 
Academy and the International Children's Choir.
  Zachary Ryan Kofroth accepted an appointment to the U.S. Air Force 
Academy. He graduated from Utah Military Academy--Hill Field, where he 
participated in AFJROTC as a squadron commander, as well as basketball 
and weightlifting. Zachary is a second team All-American and two-time 
Junior Olympian in fencing. He also completed over 200 hours of 
community service and was a member of the National Honor Society. 
Zachary founded the UMA Diversity Task Force and served as a member of 
the UMA Student Advocacy Group.
  Jack Mezo Meyer, a graduate of The Waterford School, was proud to 
accept his appointment to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. He is 
following a family tradition of military service through academies. 
Jack was a captain of the lacrosse and basketball teams, as well as a 
student mentor, and cellist in the orchestra. He enjoys building and 
flying drones and is restating a Mustang. He also provided service at 
the Salt Lake City VA Fisher House and Canyon Creek Ranch & Equine 
Rescue.
  Gavin Cox Nielsen will be attending the U.S. Air Force Academy after 
his graduation from West High School. He served as captain of the 
wrestling team and a pole vaulter for the track & field team. His JROTC 
team earned the title of State Champions in Orienteering. Gavin 
participated in many service projects through the Key Club, is a member 
of the Arabic Honor Society, and has earned his Eagle Scout Award. He 
enjoys Supermoto and Superbike racing.
  David Cheyenne Orr has accepted an appointment to the U.S. Air Force 
Academy. He is a graduate of Bingham High School, where he participated 
in lacrosse and was an officer in Health Occupational Students of 
America, HOSA. David has been especially focused on service. As a Boy 
Scouts, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout by donating 324 pairs of 
shoes to Haiti, as well as a school volunteer in South Korea, 
completing 400 hours of service helping students during the pandemic.
  Henry Ellis Powell will be attending the U.S. Military Academy at 
West Point after graduating in 2019 from the American International 
School of Utah and attending the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory 
School. Henry enlisted in the Army National Guard, served as a cannon 
crewmember, and volunteered for the COVID-19 Task Force. In high 
school, Henry earned his Eagle Scout Award, was a member of the Student 
Senate, the first chair trumpet in the symphony orchestra, and the two-
time DECA State champion in Business Law and Ethics.
  Cade Moroni Smith has accepted an appointment to the U.S. Military 
Academy at West Point. A graduate of Lone Peak High School, he was 
selected to attend Boys State and was a member of the National Honor 
Society. He earned his Eagle Scout Award and served as a leader his 
church youth group with over 600 young people. A captain of his club 
soccer team, he also earned Academic All-State honors for cross 
country.
  Cameron Walker Solomon, a Park City High School graduate, accepted 
his appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Cameron is a skilled 
mogul skier who qualified for nationals. He was a member of the 
National Honor Society and an AP Scholar with Distinction; a member of 
the Societe Honoraire de Francais and French Club; and a volunteer with 
the Park City Christian Center and the National Ability Center. Cameron 
also played soccer and was awarded Academic All-State.
  Bradley Rex Thornton accepted an appointment to the U.S. Military 
Academy at West Point. A graduate of West High School, Bradley served 
as a student body officer and was a member of the Health Occupation 
Students of America, HOSA, and the German Club. He was captain of the 
basketball team, and an Eagle Scout who is also a leader in his church 
youth group. In addition to liking water sports, Bradley likes to play 
the piano.
  Mr. President, it has been inspiring to nominate each of these 
exceptional young men and women. They give me great hope for the future 
of our armed services and confidence in the future of our Nation.
  To these 13 appointees and to all their future classmates from around 
the country, thank you for your commitment to service. I commend your 
achievements. This is just the beginning of your journey. As you 
progress, never forget the foundation of your success thus far.
  You would not have arrived at this point without the dedication and 
example of your parents, family, teachers, coaches, and mentors. 
Moreover, your own sacrifice and hard work have proven essential. You 
have accomplished so much.
  Strive to continue on the path of strong moral character and to keep 
love of country as a guiding principle. Look to the past with gratitude 
and to the future with conviction. If you stay this course, I have no 
doubt that your future holds great things in store. I look forward to 
hearing of it. Congratulations. I wish you the very best.

                          ____________________