Dozens of Kentucky students attend military academy info fair

BOWLING GREEN, Ky – About 80 Kentucky high school students and their families gathered in Bowling Green on Thursday night to learn what it takes to earn a spot at the nation’s prestigious military service academies.

The event, hosted by U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., was part of his annual Service Academy Information Fair, where students can meet with representatives and alumni from West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and other institutions.

Unlike enlisting through a local recruiter, gaining admission to a service academy requires a congressional nomination and a rigorous application process. Paul said his office receives and reviews applications from across the state each year before forwarding nominations.

“It’s an academy fair for kids in high school who want to be in one of the military academies,” Paul said. “They have to be good students, usually with extracurriculars like sports or student government. The academies get the best of the best.”

Students like Braden Woolridge, who attended with his father from Louisville, said the fair was a chance to ask questions and get advice directly from those who have gone through the process. Mortgage said he hopes to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy to become a mechanic working on planes.

“Colorado is so beautiful,” he said. “I’ve wanted to serve since I was younger, and I’d love to be a mechanic in the Air Force.”

A graduate of the academies urged the students to show their individuality and perseverance during the application process. “You need to show something unique to you,” the graduate said. “Give them a reason to believe you’re going to be a leader. Everything only gets harder, so challenge yourself now.”

For parents, the evening was both informative and emotional. “Knowing he wants to push himself, not just to serve, but to become an officer and a leader, it’s pretty heartwarming,” said Braden’s father, Bradley Woolridge.

Paul’s office said students interested in seeking a nomination must apply this fall by November 15 at https://www.paul.senate.gov/services-kentucky/academy-nominations.