U.S. Rep. Steve Austria (R-Beavercreek) recently nominated four Pickerington-area high school students to attend military service academies.

Tanner Barnes, William Grodesky, Paul Hintz and James Ross received Congressional nominations from Austria in December, which is a requirement to being admitted into military service academies.

“Our nominees are interviewed by the Congressman’s Academy Review Board — consisting of local active and retired military members, educators, clergy, community leaders, etc — who then make their recommendations to the Congressman,” said Laura Peed, a spokeswoman for Austria. “Congressman Austria then reviews all this information and makes his final decisions.

“Students apply through the academies, but must contact our office directly for a nomination,” she said. “A nomination is just one of the steps in receiving an appointment.”

To receive a service academy nomination from Austria, a candidate must be an unmarried resident of Ohio’s 7th Congressional District, a United States citizen, and between the ages of 17 and 23.

Barnes received a nomination to the Naval Academy. He is the son of Jay and Johnna Barnes. He attends Pickerington High School North.

Grodesky received a nomination to West Point. He is the son of Brian and Martha Grodesky. He attends Saint Charles Preparatory School.

Hintz received a nomination to the Air Force Academy. He is the son of Jim and Rachel Hintz. He attends Pickerington High School North.

Hintz also received a second nomination to the Air Force Academy from U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Avon).

Ross received a nomination to the Air Force Academy. He is the son of Don and Lisa Ross. He also attends PHS North.