CONGRESSMAN PERSONALLY CONGRATULATES WEST POINT APPOINTEE(Orlando, FL) – This morning, Congressman Alan Grayson had the honor of personally notifying a local student that the student has been appointed to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Orlando Lutheran Academy senior Jeff Knutson is the first student in the 8th Congressional District to receive an appointment to a military academy this school year.
Congressman Grayson said, “I
am proud that Central Florida will be represented by such an
outstanding young man. Jeff can now join that honorable ‘Long Gray
Line’ of West Point students that includes two U.S. Presidents, and
countless ambassadors, state governors, legislators, judges, cabinet
members, generals, astronauts, engineers, and corporate executives.” 
A New York Times article from June of 2009 reports a significant increase in applications to the military academies. That fact makes Jeff’s accomplishment even more impressive. If Jeff accepts the appointment, he will report to West Point on June 28, 2010.
Jeffrey
Knutson, Jeff’s father and also the principal of Orlando Lutheran
Academy, was overwhelmed after hearing the news of his son’s
appointment. “My first thought was of gratitude for all of the
blessings and talents that have been showered upon Jeff. He has in turn
been a true blessing to our family. I then felt a sense of extreme
pride in Jeff and what he has accomplished. He has worked very hard to
achieve this, and his acceptance to West Point is a wonderful
validation of his efforts,” Mr. Knutson said.
Jeffrey
is one of 32 students in the 8th District who requested a Congressional
nomination to one of the four military academies. The Congressman
nominated 20 of those 32. Most students must receive a nomination
from a Member of Congress or the Vice President in order to be
appointed to an academy. See a list of the other nominees here.