Press Release
Posted:
St. Helena, CA – Monday, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced he nominated seven local students who have since accepted offers to our nation's military service academies, including the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Naval 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.
"Each year, it’s a privilege to nominate remarkable young individuals from our district 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 Isabella, Diego, Clare, Charles, Owen, Quinn, and Atticus on behalf of our entire district."
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:
Clare Cuneo
Sonoma, CA
Clare attended Justin-Siena High where she was an Honor Roll student and earned a 4.5 GPA. In school, Clare served as Student body Co-President and previously participated in the U.S. Military Academy Summer Leaders Experience. Clare played Varsity Water Polo and swam for the Varsity swim team, serving as Team Captain for both water polo and swim. Clare previously volunteered as a tutor for Ukrainian Nationals and worked as a teacher aid at Napa Valley Language Academy. She’s CPR and AED certified.
Charles Im
Napa, CA
Charles attended Justin-Siena High School where he was an Honor Roll student and earned a 4.6 GPA. In school, Charles played baseball and basketball and won the '23 Northern California Section Division 4 Championships and was a 2024 Vine Valley League Champion for baseball. Charles previously volunteered for over 180 hours at various school and community events. He is the son of two South Korean Immigrants and his maternal grandmother served in the U.S Military as a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) surgical nurse.
Owen Rainwater
Woodland, CA
Owen attended Woodland Christian School where he earned a 4.35 GPA and was ranked 1st in his class of 71. Owen was inducted into the National Honor Society and previously participated in the California Boys and Girls State. He served as President of the Mock Trial Club, and he played Varsity Golf, Varsity Soccer and Junior Varsity Basketball. Owen also participated in Congressman Thompson’s Student Leadership Council.
For the U.S. Air Force Academy:
Isabella Hazel
Davis, CA
Isabella attended Davis Senior High School where she earned a 4.36 GPA and was recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction. She played Varsity Soccer, serving as Captain and Co-MVP for the 2024-2025 season. Isabella volunteered with Empower Youth Club, Second Touch Soccer, and National Charity League and was recognized at the Kindness and Leadership Awards by the National Charity League Davis Chapter. She has also been recognized by the City of Davis for her work with Empower Youth Club.
Diego Rodriguez
Vacaville, CA
Diego attended Buckingham Collegiate Charter Academy where he earned a 4.43 GPA and was ranked 8th in his class of 113 students. He was Captain of Varsity Cross Country and Track & Field, where he was awarded the Cross Country/Track Most Valuable Runner recognition from '22 to '24 and achieved multiple school records. Diego was awarded the High Honors Academic Award for 2022-2024. He also served as the Founder and President of the Music Club and holds a Student Pilot License. Diego was inspired to pursue military service by his great-grandfather MSgt. Steven Santiago.
For the U.S. Naval Academy:
Quinn Dixon
Sonoma, CA
Quinn attended Singapore American School where he was recognized as an Honor Roll student and earned a 4.2 GPA, placing him in the top 5% of his class. Quinn was Chair of the Model United Nations Club and Captain of the Varsity Swim Team, Captain of Swim Club Team, and a member of the Water Polo Club Team. Quinn was ranked in the top 6% of swimmers in California and he is a member of the Young Eagles – Sonoma Chapter. Quinn was inspired to serve his country by his brother, who serves in the U.S. military, and by his mother, who is a U.S. Diplomat.
Atticus Keys
Dixon, CA
Atticus attended Davis Senior High School where he earned a 4.2 GPA and was ranked 90th in his class of 596 students. In school, Atticus was involved with the California Habitat Restoration Club and with the Davis Community Club, where he served as Secretary. Atticus also participates with the River City Rowing Club and is ranked 2nd in California for the Quad Event in rowing. Atticus is CPR, Lifeguard, and First Aid Certified and will join the U.S. Naval Academy’s rowing team as a student athlete.