Louisiana student appointed to U.S. Air Force Academy following Speaker Mike Johnson's nomination

A northwest Louisiana high school student has been appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy following his nomination from the United States Speaker of the House.

Speaker Mike Johnson said, “Reagan has excelled on the field, in the classroom, and in extracurricular leadership roles throughout his life. I was honored to nominate him to the Air Force Academy, and am certain he will be an exceptional cadet.”

He continued by saying, "North Louisiana possesses a deep connection to our national defense, and we are thankful Reagan is continuing this great tradition. We are praying for his success."

Loyola College Prep senior Reagan Coyle plans to attend the Air Force Academy upon graduation from Loyola in May. “Attending the Air Force Academy is something I have been preparing to do for years now,” said Coyle.

Admission into the U.S. Air Force Academy is extensive requiring academic and extracurricular records, leadership activities, physical fitness test results and a required nomination.

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"I would like to thank God for allowing me this unbelievable opportunity," said Coyle. "I would not be able to do this without Loyola preparing me to succeed at the Academy, and without the support and encouragement from those closest to me."

Throughout high school, Coyle has served on SGA holding a class officer position, maintained a 4.29 GPA and been a leader on the football and basketball teams. He was also named an All State Baseball Player and an All District Football Player.

"Reagan has worked hard both in the classroom and in athletics over the past four years, and he has grown tremendously," said Anna Beth Clark, Director of Admissions. "His nomination is the result of diligence, humility, and determination. Loyola is so proud of his accomplishments and know that he will make us proud in the Air Force."

Coyle plans to start at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado this summer for basic training and will begin classes with the rest of his classmates in the fall.

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Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Louisiana student nominated by Speaker of the House to Air Force Academy