Local Students Nominated to U.S. Service Academies

Seven students from Northampton County, including four from Easton, have been nominated by Congressman Matt Cartwright (D-PA17) for appointments to the United States Service Academies. 

"It is my distinguished honor to nominate these exceptional young men and women as candidates for appointment to our esteemed United States Service Academies," Cartwright said in a media release.  "Each student nominated is among the best and brightest of northeastern Pennsylvania, and they represent the next generation of great American leaders."

Though nominated by Congressman Cartwright, each student will still go through the academies' competitive application process and nominees are still required to seek admittance from their desired service academy—a decision made by each academy individually. 

If offered an appointment, the students will join their respective academy's class of 2018.

Northampton County nominees from Easton include:

William Scott Begley
Contributed photos

William Scott Begley, a senior at Easton Area High School. The son of William Scott Begley Sr., he is a member of the National Honor Society, French Honor Society, the Easton Varsity Track and Field and Easton Varsity Swimming. He is also a lead cadet in the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps and a member of the Pennsylvania Water Rescue team. William has been nominated to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md.

Patrick Connor Nelson

Patrick Connor Nelson, a senior at Easton Area High School and the son of Michael and Margaret Nelson. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Boy Scouts, Eagle Scouts, Marching Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Symphonic Orchestra. He is also captain of the Boys’ Volleyball Team.  Patrick has been nominated to the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY.

Meredith Susan Ellison

Meredith Susan Ellison, a graduate of Easton Area High School who is currently attending the Military Academy Preparatory School at West Point, NY. Meredith is the daughter of Thomas Ellison and Kerri Leonard-Ellison. She was a member of the Key club, National Honor Society, USMAPS Cross Country and Track Team Captain, Class Secretary of the Student Council, and the School Paper Editor-in-Chief. She has also volunteered for Relay for Life, the Red Cross, and Special Olympics. Meredith has been nominated to the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY.

Connor Patrick Mellet

Connor Patrick Mellet, a senior at Easton Area High School and the son of Patrick and Joli Mellet. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Technology Student Association, and Student Council. He is also a captain on the Varsity Cross Country team, as well as a member of the lacrosse and track and field teams. Connor has been nominated to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD.

Also nominated were Meghan O’Toole of Bethlehem, Jessica R. Wain of Bangor, and Alan Scott Lancaster of Pen Argyl. All three hope to attend the United States Naval Academy.

"I want to thank these outstanding young adults for their willingness to commit to service to and for country.  They give me hope that our best days are surely ahead," Cartwright added.