Sen. Tester nominates Faulkner to Naval Academy

Sen. Jon Tester has nominated Declan Faulkner, a Libby High School senior, for appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.

Nomination from a member of Congress is the first step in the competitive appointment process, a challenge Faulkner said he is excited to undertake.

“I’m pretty excited,” he said. “I’m hoping I can get it. It’s going to be tough because there are so many going for it.”

Faulkner said he completed a preliminary application with Sen. Tester’s office, which included submitting his official transcripts, college entrance examination scores and a series of questions from the Senator. He was one of just 30 Montana students nominated by Tester this year.

Faulkner will now need recommendations from his math and English teachers, as well as from a school counselor and physical education teacher. He will also need to successfully complete a physical fitness assessment and submit the remainder of his application materials. The academy admissions committee considers grades, extra-curricular and civic activities as well as family military history.

Ruth VanWorth-Rogers, principal of Libby High School, praised Faulkner.

“Declan is a bright young man with aspirations to be a leader in the military,” she said. “He has a wonderful sense of humor, communicates well and is a critical thinker. Declan has been involved  in Science Olympiad, speech and drama, as well as cross-country; he has also been active with civic projects around the community during his high school career. I applaud his desire to serve our country and look forward to seeing what he does in the future.” 

Faulkner said his grade-point average is currently “hovering around 3.5,” and he participates in a number of extra-curricular activities, including speech, drama and debate and cross-country. He also intends to compete in spring track and field events this year. He is a Life Scout in the Boy Scouts of America and will earn his Eagle Scout honors upon completion of his service project. He has also been involved in religious education and performs with local acting troupe, the Pitiful Players.

Faulkner’s father, Lincoln County Undersheriff Brent Faulkner, served in the United States Coast Guard and expressed his pride in his son’s accomplishment.

“We’re pretty proud of him,” he said. “We came home from lunch, Cait (Declan’s mother) showed up a few minutes after I did with the letter from Sen. Tester. It took a lot for us to let it be and wait for Declan to open it. We’re super proud he’s willing to step up for a quality education and to serve his country.”