Kendall Coard among the nominees for the U.S. Naval Academy.

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, chair of the Senate Armed Services Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee, announced her nominations for candidates from Long Island to three of the nation’s service academies: the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

Locally, Kendall Coard of Southampton was among the nominees for the U.S. Naval Academy.

“These young leaders represent the best and brightest New York has to offer, and I am honored to nominate them to our nation’s service academies,” said Gillibrand. “They have demonstrated extraordinary leadership, academic achievement, and dedication to their communities and country, and I hope to see them go on to become exceptional military leaders. I congratulate all nominees on this achievement.”

A selection committee formed by Gillibrand chose the nominees from a large group of qualified applicants. Decisions were based on criteria including academic record, leadership potential and overall achievement. Final acceptance is determined solely by the service academies.

The U.S. service academies offer a first-class education as well as a chance for young people to serve the country upon graduation as commissioned officers in the U.S. armed services. This year, Gillibrand nominated five candidates from Long Island to the service academies.