Johnson inspires youth into service work

By Sameer Assanie

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, chair of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, on Saturday hosted her annual Military Service Academy Day at the DeSoto High School Collegiate Cafeteria. Conducted for each of the last 27 years, the 2019 Service Academy Day connected students from the 30th Congressional District of Texas with information and individuals representing the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marines Academy. This yearly event is designed to expose students to the benefits of a free education provided through one of the service academies.

“As the granddaughter, daughter, sister and wife of veterans, I know what a great privilege and honor it is to serve in the military. But attending a service academy is more than just about service in the military; it is about gaining a world-class education without charge,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “That is why I am encouraged to see young people interested in the service academies. The academies truly provide a top-rate and unique education, and I look forward to the students from District 30 who will become service academy graduates.”

 As every member of Congress, Congresswoman Johnson is given the privilege to nominate individuals for admission into the academies. Speakers at the event, which included representatives from each of the academies and members of Congresswoman Johnson’s nomination board, addressed the academy applications process and provided attending students with tips to improve their chance to gain admission into one of the highly competitive academies.

 Military Service Academy Day is a component of Congresswoman Johnson’s efforts to connect with the youth and expose them to better personal and professional opportunities. 

She also hosts the Youth Summit and Diversity Dialogue, the Youth Crime Prevention Summit, the Congressional App Challenge, the Congressional Art Competition and the Math and Science Lecture Series each year.