Nearly 20 students from across Georgia will attend the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy after being recommended by U.S. Sen. David Perdue.

That includes two students from Atlanta and five from the surrounding suburbs, according to a release from Perdue’s office.

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“Over the years, these young women and men have excelled in academics, shown a high level of physical fitness, and demonstrated the moral and ethical values it takes to succeed in our Armed Services,” Perdue said in the release. “Now, they will spend the next four years preparing to lead America’s soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines. This is a testament of their willingness to face challenges, deal with adversity, and serve our country. I have no doubt they will rise to meet the challenges of our time.”

Students wishing to attend one of the nation’s service academies must receive a recommendation from a member of Congress in order to be admitted.

The students who will enter service academies in the fall by Perdue’s recommendation are:

U.S. Air Force Academy

Sung O, of Columbus

Anthony Odom, of McDonough

Payton Rawson, of Lawrenceville

Kyle Samuels, of Statesboro

U.S. Military Academy

Bliss Hutchings, of Brunswick

Emmi Schakat, of Blairsville

Paris Williams, of Atlanta

David Woodward, of Alpharetta

Paul Stanley, of Atlanta

U.S. Naval Academy

Krystyna Bartocci, of Evans

Julia Davis, of Warner Robins

Wyatt Redmond, of Cataula

Emma Slavens, of Columbus

Sarah Sorensen, of Kennesaw

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

Ian Blankenship, of McRae

Kathryn Brewer, of Buford

Tim Leurart, of Ball Ground

Blaine McDonough, of Marietta

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In recent years, Atlanta has lost a number of public safety officers to DeKalb and Cobb counties.