Sen. Mark Begich yesterday announced his nomination of 32 of Alaska’s finest young men and women for admissions to one of the U.S. service academies for the year 2013.

“It’s always a great pleasure and very rewarding to see the outstanding young Alaskans seeking admission to our nation’s service academies,” Begich said. “I’m proud to be able to play a role in helping these fine young men and women advance toward careers in public service.”

Senators are allowed to nominate individuals for each of the service academies, including the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the U.S. Naval Academy. The admissions office for each academy makes final admissions decisions based on academic and physical qualifications as well as available space.

The following are the names and hometowns of the Alaskans nominated by Begich:

U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado:

Nathanael Beveridge, Anchorage
Bo Young Choi, Anchorage
Brendan Flynn, Juneau
Ellen Sharkey, Anchorage
Coleman Smith, Palmer
Joshua Sy, Anchorage
John Taylor, Anchorage
Timothy Thornley, Anchorage
Justin Weber, Anchorage
Hannah Sponseller, North Pole

U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York:

Luke Heun, Palmer
Andrew Banez, Anchorage
Thomas Antal, Fairbanks
Derick Hanna, Palmer
Jacob Miller, Fairbanks
Bennett Smoot, Eagle River
Delainey Stokes, North Pole
Joel Ackerman, Copper Center
Samantha Everett, Palmer

U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland:

McKenzie Barnett, Kodiak
Kara Butler, Wasilla
Sullivan Gilley, Eagle River
Kimberly Holdiman, Anchorage
Brandon Kavalok, Palmer
Conrad Kress, Anchorage
Joseph Rauenhorst, North Pole
Mizani Rawhani, Petersburg
Lida Zakurdaew, Anchorage
Thomas Muldoon, Eagle River

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York:

Tanner Evans, Anchorage
Kimberly Holdiman, Anchorage
Kyle Phillips, Juneau