RELEASE: Rep. Friedman Announces Admitted Service Academy Nominees for the Class of 2030

LOS ANGELES, CA — Today, July 30, 2026, U.S. Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30) announced that six students she nominated from California’s 30^th Congressional District have been accepted to elite service academies and preparatory schools, including: West Point, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Naval Academy Preparatory School, and Air Force Academy Preparatory School.

“Serving our nation is a solemn commitment and act of patriotism, one that these young students are undertaking without hesitation,” said Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30). “Their acceptances into the prestigious military academies and academy prep schools not only speak to their immense qualifications, but also reflect the support they’ve received from friends, parents, educators and loved ones throughout this process.”

A full list of students nominated by Rep. Friedman and the service academy or preparatory school they have been admitted to is provided below:

U.S. Military Academy and Academy Preparatory School Accepted Nominations:

• West Point Military Service Academy
  • Joseph Janghyun Baik of Los Angeles
  • David Juho Lee of Glendale
• U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
  • Maxwell Ryder Martin-Beckmann of Sun Valley
• Air Force Academy Preparatory School
  • Esther Yunjeong Cha of Glendale
• Naval Academy Preparatory School
  • Isabel Eunjung Kim of Glendale
  • Aurelia Fleur Thiel of Burbank

Friedman selected and nominated students with guidance and counsel from her Academy Nominations Review Board, which is comprised of veterans who have served in various branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and leaders of local veterans' organizations. 

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