Brooks commends James Clemens’ military academy appointees

U.S. Congressman Mo Brooks congratulates Allen King for his appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy. (Contributed/Mason Overcash)

U.S. Congressman Mo Brooks congratulates James Pruneski for his appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. (Contributed/Mason Overcash)

U.S. Congressman Mo Brooks, at right, congratulates Miles Whitlow for his appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. (Contributed/Mason Overcash)

MADISON – Visiting James Clemens High School on May 8, U.S. Congressman Mo Brooks commended Allen King, James Pruneski and Miles Whitlow for their appointment to U.S. military academies.

King will attend the U.S. Air Force Academy. Pruneski will enter the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Whitlow was accepted by the U.S. Naval Academy.

North Alabama has 13 students entering 2015-2016 freshman classes at military academies. “It’s remarkable that three of the 13 from the Tennessee Valley come from one high school,” Brooks told the audience at James Clemens.

Brooks thanked King, Pruneski and Whitlow and their families for sacrifices to reach their milestone and “willingness to serve the greatest nation on Earth.”

King said he wanted to attend the Air Force Academy for its rigorous training. He will study aeronautical engineering.

King participates with Math Team, Engineering Club, Science Bowl and National Honor Society. An Eagle Scout, King earned the Daughters of the American Revolution’s citizenship award.

Allen’s parents are Rick King, U.S. Army project manager, and college professor Molly King.

Pruneski pursued West Point for opportunities “not offered at any other institution in the world.” Stationed at Redstone Arsenal, his father Col. Jim Pruneski suggested West Point, his alma mater. James’ mother Sandy Pruneski helps in managing Doodles Personalized Gifts.

Pruneski is an AP (advanced placement) Scholar with Distinction and participates in National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta and Health Occupation Students of America.

Pruneski will major in chemical engineering, focusing on pre-medicine.

Whitlow said the naval academy provides an outstanding education. He will major in mathematics, minor in economics. He is a member of James Clemens’ Principal Advisory Committee and National Honor Society.

For two years, Whitlow earned the highest GPA among football players and was voted offensive MVP and team captain. He qualified for first teams in Tennessee Valley All-Area football and All-State, along with Super State honorable mention.

His parents are Virgil and Arica Whitlow. He is a retired U.S. Navy pilot and Redstone Arsenal contractor. She works at Redstone Federal Credit Union.