U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright announces 2023 Service Academy appointments
The Poconos. Pike and Wayne County students accepted to the the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
Milford /
| 15 Aug 2023 | 12:47
Aden “A.J.” Dierksen, a graduate of Delaware Valley High School, will attend the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.
U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright announced this week that six students in the Eighth Congressional District have been accepted to United States Service Academies, including two from Wayne and Pike counties.
Aden “A.J.” Dierksen, a graduate of Delaware Valley High School, will attend the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.
Thomas Lofberg, a graduate of Wallenpaupack Area High School, will attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York.
“Recommending exceptional students from Northeastern Pennsylvania to our country’s military service academies is one of my greatest privileges,” Cartwright said. “I’m honored to represent the 8th Congressional District, which year after year continues to produce courageous students willing to serve our country. I look forward to seeing these young men and women flourish in their college education and wish them the best as they begin their military careers.”
Aden “A.J.” Dierksen
Dierksen, the son of Donald and Tricia of Milford, ranked in the top 10 percent of his graduating class.
The varsity wrestling team captain, he also served as the senior class vice president and executive officer in the National Honor Society.
A varsity lacrosse player, he represented his lacrosse and wrestling teams on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and was in the Future Business Leaders of America.
Outside of the classroom, Dierksen three times received the U.S. Naval Academy Summer Seminar “Blue and Gold” recognition, was a Keystone Boys State city manager, and was a Marywood Math competitor.
Thomas Lofberg
Lofberg, the son of Thomas and Laura Lofberg of Hawley, was ranked in the top three percent of his graduating class and served as the Scholastics Quiz Bowl team captain. A member of the track team, he also played on the school golf team. A student ambassador, Lofberg was also a student/peer tutor and member of the Chess Club.
A member of the National Honor Society, he received the National Honor Society Golf Award and was a National History Day of PA State Qualifier.
Outside of the classroom, Lofberg was a junior fire lieutenant in his local volunteer fire department, earned the rank of Life Scout in the Boy Scouts of America, attended the Keystone Boys State Program of 2022, and earned the Junior Firefighter of the Year Award.
Additional students in Congressman Cartwright’s district appointed to the Class of 2027 include:
Frances Cocchini, Factoryville, will attend the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs.
John Greenfield, Old Forge, will attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
Michael Huntington, Dallas, will attend the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis.
Jocelyn Williams. West Wyoming, will attend the U.S. Naval Academy.
All five U.S. Service Academies require obtaining a Congressional nomination to attend. Once appointed, students earn the privilege of a free world class education which comes with a five-year service obligation upon graduation.