U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan this week announced his student nominations for admission to the U.S. Air Force, Merchant Marine, Military and Naval academies. Nominees are selected from a group of high school senior applicants who meet stringent qualifications; they are recommended by a non-partisan committee appointed by Buchanan. 

This year's nominees from Sarasota and Manatee counties are the following: 

Manatee County

New Gate High School student Matthew Bogard, U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Naval Academy
Manatee High School student Lauren Conner, U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy
Lakewood Ranch High School student Brandon Gadeken, U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy
Braden River High School student Benjamin French, U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Naval Academy
IMG Academy student Cody Gross, U.S. Air Force Academy
St. Stephen’s Episcopal School student Darragh Harkin, U.S. Military Academy
St. Stephen’s Episcopal School student Camden Vining, U.S. Military Academy

Sarasota County

Sarasota Military Academy student Dante Aletto, U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy
Pine View School student Liam Collins, U.S. Naval Academy
Sarasota Virtual School student Brian Garcia, U.S. Naval Academy
Riverview High School student Luke King, U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Naval Academy
Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School student Anna Klemeyer, U.S. Naval Academy
Pine View School student Thomas Kochevar, U.S. Military Academy
Homeschooled student Eli Martin, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Naval Academy
Sarasota Military Academy student Juliana Rendle, U.S. Military Academy
Sarasota Military Academy student Aeryn Sachs, U.S. Military Academy
Pine View School student John Stainbrook, U.S. Naval Academy