Simone Bermudez ’26 and Kate Seidel ’26 To Attend U.S. Service Academies

Congratulations are in order for our new alums, Simone Bermudez ’26 and Kate Seidel ’26, who will both be attending U.S. service academies! Simone will join fellow midshipmen this summer at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, where she plans to major in engineering. Kate will join fellow cadets at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York, where she plans to major in Chinese. 

According to our records, Kate and Simone will become only the third and fourth females from Indian Springs School to attend a U.S. Service Academy. Elaine Luria ’93, former member of Congress from Virginia, was the first. Elaine attended the U.S. Naval Academy, just like our second female, current U.S. Naval Academy midshipman Phoebe Rominger ’23.

The application process for the United States Military Academy requires slightly more preparation than many other colleges. Candidates must secure a formal nomination from an authorized source, such as a Member of Congress, the Vice President, or the President.  

Simone was nominated by Rep. Gary Palmer, who serves parts of Birmingham, Alabama. Kate was nominated by Rep. Robert Aderholt, who serves her hometown of Cullman, Alabama. Both also received nominations from Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville.  

Acceptance to a U.S. service academy requires meeting rigorous academic standards, demonstrating strong leadership skills, and passing comprehensive physical and medical evaluations. All service academies offer a free college education that covers tuition, room and board, and other costs in exchange for a set number of years of active military service.

Congratulations to Kate and Simone!