06/05/2026
We are incredibly proud of Byng alumna Gracie Ragland for being recognized by Congressman Tom Cole as one of Oklahoma’s Military Academy appointees. Thank you for representing Byng with excellence at the U.S. Naval Academy. We are proud of the leader you have become and thankful for your commitment to serving our nation! 🇺🇸⚓
I am proud to announce the 2026 Military Academy appointees from Oklahoma's Fourth District who received and accepted appointments for entry into one of our nation’s prestigious military academies. These academies include the United States Air Force Academy, the United States Merchant Marine Academy, and the United States Naval Academy.
Those who answer the call to serve are our nation’s finest – and that includes these eight young Oklahomans. I am so proud of these men and women for their choice to attend a challenging yet rewarding military academy. They really are some of the best and brightest and I have no doubt that they will go on to do amazing things serving our country as part of the Armed Forces.
I am listing below the names and high school information of the appointees, as well as the academies to which they have been appointed.
United States Air Force Academy:
Brandon Heckethorn – Lone Grove High School
Tessa Inman – Lindsay High School
Simon Marchesano – Moore High School (Also was offered the U.S. Naval Academy)
Gregory Williams – Norman North High School
United States Merchant Marine Academy:
Joseph McCormick – McCormick Home School
United States Naval Academy:
Julianna Chesnut – Rush Springs High School (Also was offered U.S. Military Academy at West Point)
Gracie Ragland – Byng High School
Ezekiel Stoda – Blanchard High School (Also was offered U.S. Military Academy at West Point)
