Two Kentucky Students Nominated for U.S. Service Academies

Kylee Lane White and Daniel Gunner Stiner receive prestigious congressional nominations.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Congressman James Comer announced that two high school students from Kentucky's 1st Congressional District, Kylee Lane White and Daniel Gunner Stiner, have received nominations for appointments to prestigious U.S. service academies, including the United States Military Academy, United States Air Force Academy, and United States Naval Academy.

Why it matters

Receiving a congressional nomination is a critical step in the appointment process for the nation's service academies, which are highly competitive and selective programs. These nominations highlight the exceptional leadership, scholarship, and character of the local students.

The details

Kylee Lane White, a student at Caldwell County High School in Princeton, received nominations to the United States Military Academy, United States Air Force Academy, and United States Naval Academy. Daniel Gunner Stiner, a student from Lyon County High School in Cadiz, received a nomination to the United States Air Force Academy. They are among only sixteen students selected from Kentucky's 1st Congressional District for these nominations.

  • On February 17, 2026, Congressman James Comer announced the nominations.

The players

Kylee Lane White

A student at Caldwell County High School in Princeton, Kentucky who received nominations to the United States Military Academy, United States Air Force Academy, and United States Naval Academy.

Daniel Gunner Stiner

A student from Lyon County High School in Cadiz, Kentucky who received a nomination to the United States Air Force Academy.

Congressman James Comer

The U.S. Representative for Kentucky's 1st congressional district, who announced the student nominations.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“These individuals have shown local leadership and now have the chance to attend the nation's prestigious service academies.”

— Congressman James Comer (wpkyonline.com)

“Each candidate has demonstrated exceptional scholarship, leadership, and character, and their commitment to serving in the armed forces is truly admirable.”

— Congressman James Comer (wpkyonline.com)

What’s next

White and Stiner, along with the other nominees, will now await final appointment decisions from the academies.

The takeaway

This recognition highlights the outstanding achievements and potential of local students from Kentucky's 1st Congressional District, who have earned the opportunity to pursue their dreams of serving in the U.S. armed forces through prestigious service academy programs.