Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) announced on March 23 that his United States Service Academy Information Night will be held on Wednesday, April 22 from 5:00 to 6:30 PM at the Ocean County Resource Center in Toms River.
The event is intended for high school and college students who live in New Jersey’s Fourth Congressional District and are interested in seeking a congressional nomination to one of the U.S. Service Academies. Parents and educators are also invited to attend.
“Over the years, I’ve had the honor and privilege of nominating many outstanding young men and women for acceptance into our Nation’s Service Academies,” said Smith. “Many, if not all, of the students I nominated attended one of the Service Academy information sessions hosted by my office. The upcoming Service Academy Information Night offers a comprehensive venue for prospective students to learn more about the nomination process, as well as all the great resources and possibilities that these institutions offer.”
Students between ages 17 and 22 (or up to age 25 for applicants to the Merchant Marine Academy), who are U.S. citizens with no dependents, may apply through Smith’s office if they reside in his district. Applications can begin as early as spring of junior year in high school, regardless of where they attend school or college.
The Fourth Congressional District includes parts of Ocean County—such as Brick Township, Jackson Township, Lakewood Township, Manchester Township, Point Pleasant Borough—and parts of Monmouth County including Colts Neck Township, Freehold Township (part), Howell Township, Middletown Township (part), Wall Township among others.
Advance registration is required via Rep. Smith’s website or by calling his Constituent Service Center at (732) 504-0567.
The U.S. Service Academies provide tuition-free education for those who graduate and fulfill their service obligation; they include West Point Military Academy; Naval Academy at Annapolis; Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs; Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point; and Coast Guard Academy at New London—which does not require a congressional nomination but accepts direct applications from students.
Smith has represented New Jersey’s Fourth Congressional District since replacing Frank Thompson in Congress in 1981 according to official records. He was born in Rahway in 1953 and currently lives in Manchester Township as reported by NJ.com. Smith graduated from The College of New Jersey with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1975 according to The College of New Jersey.
