Press Release
Posted:
Rutherford, CA – Friday, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced he nominated five local students who have since accepted offers to our nation's military service academies, including the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the U.S. Air Force Academy. These prestigious appointments follow a highly competitive, months-long process led by Rep. Thompson’s office, which includes a comprehensive application, academic and personal evaluations, panel interviews, and final selection by the academies themselves.
Elliott Black-Holcroft, Christopher Palchak, Rep. Thompson, Blake Fuchslin, Soren DeYoung (not pictured: John Paul Baker)
"Each year, it’s a privilege to support the remarkable young individuals from our district who are selected to attend our nation’s prestigious military service academies,” said Rep. Thompson. “These appointments are reserved for those who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, a strong commitment to community service, and excellence beyond the classroom. This year’s appointees have earned this honor through their hard work and dedication, and I extend my sincere congratulations to them on behalf of our entire district."
Each year, local candidates are interviewed for a nomination to our nation's service academies. Those nominated then must be offered an appointment by the academies. Appointees from the Fourth Congressional District were honored at a ceremony at St. Supery Winery in Rutherford. Biographies for each student are included below.
For the U.S. Military Academy at West Point:
Christopher Palchak
Davis, CA
Christopher attends Jesuit High School in Sacramento and has been on honor roll for all semesters of high school. He holds a GPA of 4.5. He is on the Track and Field Throws Team and was both Junior Varsity and Varsity captain. He has volunteered with Davis Community Meals since 2021. He is a member of 4H, raised goats and swine, and is a member of the Yolo Sportsman’s Association rifle team. He is inspired by his siblings; his sister is a 2024 graduate and has 3 siblings currently at the United States Military Academy (USMA).
Elliott Black-Holcroft
Davis, CA
Elliott currently attends Los Rios Community College and attended Davis Senior High School and graduated with a 3.8 GPA. He is enrolled in ROTC through CSU Sacramento. He was on the Varsity water polo team, and on the swimming team. He participated in the Davis Teen Leadership Council in 2023. He is inspired by his grandfather, a Vietnam Veteran and a professor at WestPoint.
For the U.S. Air Force Academy:
John Paul Baker
Woodland, CA
John attends Davis Senior High School. He has been on the Varsity Track (2022 and 2023) and Football (2024) teams, as well as Junior Varsity Basketball team (2023). He holds a GPA of 4.0 and was a recipient of the National African American Recognition Award in August of 2023, and was accepted into the United States Naval Academy (USNA) and United States Military Academy (USMA) Summer Leadership Camp. He spends his time volunteering at his local soup kitchen, and volunteering with his church. His brother also graduated from the United States Naval Academy.
Soren De Young
Napa, CA
Soren attends Vintage High School. He is ranked 24th in his class of 400. He is inspired by a long history of family service dating to his great-grandfather who served in World War II. He is a triple-sport athlete, playing on his high school Baseball, Wrestling, and Cross-Country teams. He is involved with Boy Scouts of America, including community service through this organization. He has his Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) student pilot license and is certified in CPR and First Aid.
Blake Fuchslin
Dixon, CA
Blake attends Davis Senior High School. He holds a GPA of 4.6 and ranks in the Top 30 of 650 students. He played Varsity Water Polo and Swim and lettered all three years. He was awarded the President’s Outstanding Academic Excellence award and USA Water Polo’s Outstanding Academic All-American in 2022. He is involved with Davis Community Club and Davis Empower Youth, including community service through both.