This December, Louisiana students of all five of service academies  – US Military Academy in West Point, NY; US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD; US Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT; US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO; and the US Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY – were honored with a full military ball.

Congressman Garret Graves served as the ball’s keynote speaker. Graves represents the sixth district of Louisiana and has proudly nominated several candidates for appointment to the U.S. service academies from his district since being elected to office in 2015. Graves chairs the Aviation Subcommittee on Transportation and serves on the Natural Resources Committee. He is also a strong advocate for our armed forces.  During his tenure, Graves has been ranked as one of the most effective U.S. House members with several bipartisan bills signed into law by three different presidents. 

Steeped in tradition, the all Service Academies Ball honors our nation's future leaders from the great state of Louisiana.  One hundred forty eight (148) Louisiana students are currently enrolled at one of the five service academies or preparatory schools.  These students are considered active duty military on the first day of enrollment. Upon graduation and the receipt of a Bachelor of Science degree, the cadets and midshipmen commission as second lieutenants or ensigns and must serve a minimum term of duty, usually five years plus another three years in the reserves. If the student's chosen occupation requires particularly extensive training (such as aviation or special operations), the service commitment may be longer.

“It is the common mission of our United States Military Service Academies to develop the future leaders of our armed forces,” says Laurie Suire, chair of this year’s ball. “It is particularly gratifying to recognize these talented and dedicated young people who have accepted the challenge of attending our service academies, holding themselves to the highest standards of academic, athletic and military achievement.”

This year's gala was held on December 22, 2023 at the historic Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center. The evening included a special guest speaker, Congressman Garret Graves along with a traditional military toast, dinner and a live band. 

Pictured below are CHS graduates Liam Carruth ’22 (USNA), Max Guillot ’22 (West Point), George Scully ’23 (West Point), Hap Heroman ’22(USNA) , Congressman Garret Graves ’90, Joseph Serpas ’22 (USAFA), Ben Herman ’22(USNA), Ross Dinicola ’19(USNA), Parker Garrett ’22 (USAFA) and Luke Hertel ’23 (West Point).