WASHINGTON – Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa said today that Phillip Ramirez and Drew Piersma have received appointments to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point for the 2014-2015 school year.
“Admission to the service academies is highly competitive and a great honor,” Grassley said. “Students work very hard to earn this kind of opportunity. I wish Phillip and Drew well and thank them for their commitment to serve our nation.”
Ramirez is the son of Lisa and Esteban Ramirez of Marshall County. He will graduate in June from Vilseck High School in Vilseck, Germany, where his father is currently stationed. Ramirez participated in cross country; wrestling; track and field; varsity pep band; student council; Club Beyond; National Honor Society; Model United States Senate; and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Symposium (STEMposium). He has served as treasurer of the Student to Student program, class president, school president, and on the board of directors for Model United States Senate. Ramirez has also participated in the International Student Leadership Seminar and was a presenter and organizer for Vilseck High School Leadership Day.
Piersma is the daughter of Teresa and Scott Piersma of Sioux City. She will graduate in May from North High School. Piersma participated in softball, basketball, volleyball, National Honor Society, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She has also served on the student council, Student Activities Advisory Committee, the Mayor’s Youth Commission Executive Committee, and the National Council on Youth Leadership.
Ramirez and Piersma were among the 55 Iowans Grassley nominated this year for appointments to the U.S. service academies. Information about seeking nominations can be found on Grassley’s website.
For more than 200 years, these academies have educated and trained individuals to lead and command the U.S. armed forces.
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