Walden supports students’ bids for military academies

Dane Jacobson of Mt. Hood and Samuel Seal of Parkdale have received Walden’s endorsement for four key reasons. He said both high school seniors exhibited strong academic performance, athletic participation, extracurricular involvement and good character.

“Being nominated to one of America’s service academies represents years of hard work and discipline,” said Walden. “Competing with the best and brightest of America’s youth for an appointment to a military academy is both a tremendous opportunity and a great honor.

“I have every confidence that these talented students will represent their families and communities well in that effort. I commend Dane and Samuel for their desire to serve our country.

“It takes a special commitment to accept the challenges of an academy education, and these young men are continuing a long line of patriotic Oregonians in their endeavor. I share the pride of their parents, teachers and friends in congratulating them both on this significant achievement,” he continued.

Jacobson, the son of Frank and Pam Jacobson, is a senior at Hood River Valley High School. He maintains a 3.90 grade point average and is a member of the soccer team. In addition, Jacobson is active in golf, cross county, Snowboard Club, Aviation Club and Club Soda. In his spare time, he likes to windsurf, ski, snowboard and play with computers.

“I was pretty happy to get this nomination, it was one of the obstacles that I had to get over,” he said.

Jacobson will learn in May whether he has been accepted to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. He plans to earn his bachelor’s in social science and become a pilot.

Seal is the son of Kim and Sieglinde Seal and a senior and student body president at Horizon Christian School. He maintains a 3.88 grade point average and is active with the school’s newspaper and yearbook and soccer team. Additionally, he volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and participates in his church’s youth group.

When asked how he felt about receiving Walden’s stamp of approval, Seal said, “It really made me happy. I was pretty nervous and I didn’t feel like I would get the nomination so, when I got the letter, it felt great.”

Seal, a Parkdale native, will learn in March whether he has been accepted to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. He plans to earn his bachelor’s in engineering and then study law.