South Dakota young people who would like a nomination to one of the four U.S. service academies for the Class of 2012 need to apply by Wednesday, Oct. 31.

The four service academies are the Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.; the Navel Academy at Annapolis, Md.; the Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colo., and the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, N.Y.

South Dakota residents between the ages of 17 and 23 may apply if they meet the eligibility requirements in leadership, physical aptitude, scholarship and character.

Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., and Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, D-S.D., will each compile separate lists and make final recommendations to the academies on the most qualified candidates by Jan. 31, 2008.

Interested applicants should contact: Johnson's office at 1-605-332-8896 or 1-800-537-0025; Thune's office at 1-605-334-9596 or 866-850-3855; or Herseth Sandlin's office at 1-605-367-8371 or 1-866-371-8747.