The following press release was received from U.S. Congressman Don Manzullo:

Marengo Student Appointed to U.S. Naval Academy

[ROCKFORD] Congressman Don Manzullo (R-Egan) today announced that Gerardo Martinez of Marengo, Illinois, has received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.

Gerardo graduated from Marengo High School in 2006. He attended the Naval Academy Preparatory School the past year.

At Marengo High School, Gerardo was a member of the National Honor Society, the National Leadership Conference, and was named an All Conference Scholar. He was also a member of the Culture Club, AFS, the Pride Club, the Math League, the Young Eagles, the drill team and his church group. He volunteered with Toys 4 Tots, the local resale shop, the homeless shelter, blood drives, tutoring, at the local nursing home, and with the Marine Corps League.

Gerardo also was a member of Marengo’s Varsity Cross Country and Track teams. He also played soccer for two years.

Gerardo is the son of Gerardo and Patti Martinez of Marengo.