U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) announced Wednesday he has nominated Straughn senior Cory Philpott to the U.S. Air Force Academy.

This year, Sen. Shelby nominated 35 students from across the state of Alabama. The service academies include the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

“I am proud to nominate this distinguished student to the United States Air Force Academy,” Sen. Shelby said. “This young man is one of the best and brightest in Alabama as evidenced by his excellent performance both inside and outside the classroom. It is my honor to recommend him, and I wish him the best of luck in all his future endeavors. I am confident that he will go on to achieve great things.”

Philpott is the son of Luke and Karen Philpott.