In the News

U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, joined family, friends and classmates of Drury High School senior Holly Boudreau on Friday to celebrate her appointment to the Air Force Academy after receiving a nomination from Neal.

Boudreau learned that she had been accepted Jan. 18. She is leaving to do basic training this summer and will begin school in the fall.

Also on hand were state Sen. Adam Hinds, D-Pittsfield, state Rep. John Barrett III, D-North Adams, and North Adams Mayor Thomas Bernard.

Neal brought up Boudreau's appointment later, during a meeting with The Eagle's editorial board.

"She's spectacular," he said.

Members of Congress are authorized to nominate candidates for appointment to four service academies: the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in New York; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y.