State Rep. Matt Cartwright announced the nomination of eight students from Monroe, as well as eight students from Carbon and Northampton counties, for appointments to the United States Service Academies.

Among them were area students Janel M. Tracy, a senior at Palmerton Area High School in Palmerton, and Benjamin M. Conklin, Joseph L. Phillips, Christopher Schwenck, and Matthew C. Vasquez, seniors at Pleasant Valley High School in Brodheadsville.Tracy is the daughter of Jamie Lee and Jonice Tracy. She is the president and editor in chief for the school newspaper; treasurer for the National Honor Society; and a member of the Future Business Leaders of America. She also has participated in several events such as the Raise the House 5K, Special Olympics, and the National Junior Honor Society Induction Ceremony. Tracy is receiving a nomination for the United States Military Academy.Conklin is a senior at Pleasant Valley High School in Brodheadsville. He is the son of Thomas and Karen Conklin. He is on the distinguished honor roll, and is a voting member on the committee of directors. He is also involved in basketball, football, and also track and field. Conklin is receiving the nomination for the United States Military Academy.Phillips is the son of Joseph and Rose Phillips. Joseph's many achievements include the Good Citizenship Award, a member of SPEAK and National Honor Society member. He is also a participant in cross-country, track and field and a petty officer for his division of Sea Cadets. Phillips is receiving the nomination for the United States Naval Academy.Schwenck is the son of Eugene and Paula Schwenck. He is the vice president of the National Honor Society, United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Petty Officer 3rd Class (E-4), and a member of the West End Soccer League. He is also the team leader of the debate team and track and field team at Pleasant Valley. Schwenck has been nominated to the United States Naval Academy.Vasquez is the son of Edison and Elizabeth Vazquez. He is a member of Skills USA, Project Success, and the National Technical Honor Society. He also participates in football, track and field, and cross-country. Vasquez is receiving the nomination for the United States Naval Academy.Each student nominated by Cartwright will go through the academies' competitive application process. If offered an appointment, the students will join their respective academy's class of 2019, however, nominees are still required to seek admittance from their desired service academy, a decision made by each academy individually.