William Floyd senior nominated to two U.S. service academies

Discipline. Dedication. Duty.

Those three words have defined the high school career of William Floyd senior Andriana Perez. Now, they’ve earned her congressional nominations to two of the nation’s most prestigious military service academies.

Perez received her nomination to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point from Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and was nominated for the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, by Rep. Andrew Garbarino, who represents New York’s 2nd Congressional District, the school district announced Wednesday.

Nominations to service academies are made by members of Congress and are awarded through a highly competitive process that evaluates students on academics, leadership, extracurricular involvement, physical aptitude, character and motivation — often referred to as the “whole person” review. Final appointments are determined by the academies themselves.

If appointed to either academy, Perez would complete a rigorous four-year program before earning a commission as a U.S. military officer.

Her résumé reflects years of preparation.

Perez has spent four years in the William Floyd High School Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC), rising through the ranks from platoon commander and supply officer to lieutenant and executive officer — the top student leadership role in the program. She trains cadets in drill techniques, assists instructors, competes in events and mentors younger students.

Outside of school, Perez serves as cadet chief master sergeant with the Civil Air Patrol’s Squadron NY-117, where she has also has held such roles as flight commander, service officer, logistics officer and chairperson of the Cadet Advisory Council. She is president of the junior auxiliary program at American Legion Patchogue Post 269 and serves on the honor guard firing detail for Veterans of Foreign Wars Patchogue Post 2913.

In a letter congratulating Perez, Gillibrand called the nomination “an honor reflecting your high achievement” and praised her commitment to serve the nation.

Garbarino, in his letter, noted the strength of this year’s applicant pool and commended Perez for completing what he described as a “multi-stage and competitive process,” adding that the country needs “remarkable individuals” to serve as future leaders.

Laura Nunziata, Perez’s guidance counselor, said she has witnessed the senior’s “resilience, leadership and unwavering dedication to personal and professional growth,” adding that Perez’s goal of becoming a commissioned officer is rooted in personal experience and her desire to grow in a mission-driven environment.

Perez has attended William Floyd schools since kindergarten, including Tangier Smith Elementary School and William Paca Middle School.

_{Top: courtesy of WFSD}