U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), today announced that nine Marylanders have accepted appointments to the U.S. Service Academies for the 2012-2013 academic year.

The five U.S. service academies -- the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy -- recruit top-notch young American men and women who will appreciate an excellent education and a chance to serve their country.

“Every year, it is my privilege to nominate some of the brightest, most dedicated students in Maryland to the U.S. Service Academies,” said Senator Cardin.“A service academy education is an honor that is afforded the best and brightest of our nation. Important obligations go with that appointment, obligations that are essential to keeping our nation strong.”

Below are the names of Senator Cardin’s nominees who have accepted offers of appointment for this year:

BALTIMORE COUNTY

·Thomas Gruebl, 18, Nottingham, Calvert Hall College High School, U.S. Naval Academy

·Jordan Thomas, 18, Halethorpe, Lansdowne High School / Community College of Baltimore County Catonsville, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

CALVERT COUNTY

·John Rowan, 18, Owings, Northern High School, U.S. Air Force Academy

HOWARD COUNTY

·Timothy Fisher, 18, Highland, River Hill High School, U.S. Naval Academy

·Matthew Walls, 18, Ellicott City, Chapelgate Christian Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

·Andrew Mengle, 18, Damascus, Damascus High School/Valley Forge Military Academy, U.S. Military Academy

·Luke Poulos, 18, Rockville, Our Lady of Good Counsel, U.S. Military Academy

TALBOT COUNTY

·John D’Albora, 18, Easton, Saints Peter and Paul High School, U.S. Naval Academy

WASHINGTON COUNTY

·Mackenzie Riford, 18, Hagerstown, Mercersburg Academy/Shippensburg University, U.S. Military Academy