U.S. Congressman Ryan Costello announced on Tuesday, that over 32 students from the Pennsylvania’s Sixth Congressional District have received the honor of being nominated for the country’s most prestigious service academies, writes Justin Heinze for Patch.

To help with the process, Costello formed a nonpartisan Academy Advisory Board, which is made up of community members with a relevant military background, to help in choosing the best nominees. The Board then used various criteria in making its selections, including candidate’s academic achievements, leadership skills, extracurricular activities, physical fitness, as well as their character.

“I applaud these fine students on their motivation to serve our nation and their interest in wearing the uniform at one of our nation’s military academies,” said Costello. “These students have demonstrated tremendous leadership in their communities and schools and I have no doubt that they will excel at the highest level. It is a high privilege to offer these nominations and I thank these young men and women for their willingness to serve our nation.”

While Costello’s nomination will certainly lend some weight to each candidate’s chances, it still does not guarantee admission to a service academy. The final decision on the admission of future students is still up to the admissions boards of the individual academies.

Nominees include, among many others, students from West Chester East High School, Malvern Preparatory School, and Downingtown East High School, and have been submitted to the United States Military Academy, United States Naval Academy, United States Air Force Academy, and United States Merchant Marine Academy.

Some of the students, including Jenna Maratea from West Chester Henderson High School and Aaron Salinas from Malvern Preparatory School, have already been accepted into their respective academies as of January 19th.  

The full list of nominated students can be found here.