Madera High student nominated to three military service academies

A Madera High student had the rare honor of earning nominations to the U.S. Military Academy, Naval Academy and Air Force Academy.

Eric Niino, Jr., who will be attending West Point, has a 4.5 GPA, is captain of the water polo team and an Eagle Scout.

Niino was nominated by Rep Jim Costa, D-Fresno. Three other area students nominated by the congressman also received admission to a military service academy.

Fresno City College student and 2014 Edison High graduate Mitchell Soper will be attending the U.S. Naval Academy. Bullard High student Connor Vikupitz and Liberty High student Caleb Wiens will both be attending the U.S. Air Force Academy.

“Each year, I have the distinct honor of nominating San Joaquin Valley students to our nation’s military academies, and this year, four of the individuals I nominated have been accepted into the academy of their choice,” Costa said in a statement. “To be nominated, students must not only excel academically, but also exhibit a passion for service and leadership. Eric, Mitchell, Connor, and Caleb are well-rounded and bright young men who are role models for their peers, and I am so proud of their hard work and efforts.”

To gain admission to a service academy, students must pass a medical and physical examination, as well as obtain a nomination from either the vice president or their U.S. representative or senator.

Accepted students receive a full scholarship to the service academy. After graduating, they complete the military service obligation requirement for each academy.

This story was originally published May 1, 2016 at 4:15 PM with the headline "Madera High student nominated to three military service academies."