In the aftermath of the Easter rescue of Merchant Marine Captain Richard Phillips, 16th District Congressman Don Manzullo has appointed Crystal Laker Christopher Benard to the Kings Point U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

Here is Manzullo’s press release:

CL Central High School Student Appointed to United States Merchant Marine Academy

[CRYSTAL LAKE] Congressman Don Manzullo (R-Egan) today announced that Christopher Benard of Crystal Lake, Illinois, has received an appointment to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY.

Christopher will graduate in June 2009 from Crystal Lake Central High School in Crystal Lake. Christopher is an Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America.

He is also a member of the Peer Ministry Team at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Crystal Lake, where he assumed a leadership role planning and implementing retreats for the youth group.

At Central, Christopher is a member of the Wrestling Team and past member of the Football Team. Christopher is the son of Tony and Cindy Benard of Crystal Lake.