Hawley offered appointment to U.S. Air Force Academy

Note: This information was provided by the offices of U.S. Sens. Jon Tester and Steve Daines

Montana’s U.S. senators announced that academy nominee Alaynee Hawley of Harlem has been offered an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy.

“Helping young Montanans achieve their dreams of attending one of our nation’s prestigious Military Service Academies is one of my greatest honors as Montana’s senior senator,” said Sen. Tester, D-Mont. “Alaynee has proven that she’s an exceptional Montanan, as well as a tremendous student and leader, and I wish her all the best on this exciting new journey at the U.S. Air Force Academy where I have no doubt she will serve our state and country proudly.”

Tester nominated Hawley — along with 18 other Montanans — in December based on her academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, and commitment to serving and leading in the United States military. A nomination from a member of Congress is the first step in students’ applications to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

“Alaynee is an incredible young Montanan with a bright future ahead of her. It’s clear that with her long list of achievements that include being a Western Aerospace Scholar, playing multiple sports in high school, and even co-founding her local robotics club, she’s ready for anything,” Daines said. “Congratulations on your offer of appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy and I wish you the best of luck in your future career.”

Alaynee is a varsity volleyball, basketball, track, tennis player, and a varsity swimmer at Harlem Junior-Senior High School. She is three-time class president, a Compassion International Child Sponsor, member of the FFA, Robotics Club, Astronomy Club, and National Honor Society. She is a NASA Apollo 50 Challenge and NASA ROADS to Mars Challenge participant, Formula 1 in Schools participant, Montana GearUp Leader, Harlem Community Food Drive, Public Library Children’s Program and Community Winter Clothing Drive volunteer. She is the recipient of the 2020 Foundation for Rural Service Award by Triangle Communications, Academic Allstate, three-time Harlem Junior-Senior High School Student of the Quarter, and Montana Army National Guard Academic All-Team Trophy.