With temperatures at their lowest and school stress as its highest, many students are fantasizing about summer vacation and daydreaming about potential plans. Senior Anna Kelley already knows what she’s doing this summer: learning how to fly.
Earlier this school year, Kelley applied for the prestigious Air Force Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) Flight Academy. It is an eight week summer program where cadets learn how to fly and earn a private pilot’s certification. The program partners with 24 universities to host more than 300 cadets across the country. The scholarship program is highly competitive and completely covers the cost of attendance. Out of 1203 applicants, only 179, less than 15 percent, were selected to participate.
“I didn’t think I would get in,” Kelley said. “But I figured I might as well apply and give it my best shot.”
Major Dexter Cox, the ROTC instructor, encourages all cadets that meet the qualifications to apply. To apply, cadets must score in the 74th percentile or higher on the PT, a test that measures physical ability. They must also have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and a passion for aviation.
“We have eight cadets that wanted to participate,” said Cox, “but Anna was the only one that fully met the qualifications and completed her paperwork within the timelines required.”
The news of her acceptance came early December.
“I’m excited!” said Kelley. “It normally takes people months or even a year to get the license.” Additionally, getting the license can cost 18,000 dollars or more.
East Meck’s JROTC department has previously sent four cadets into the program.
“I was in my first year of ROTC when two other people in the unit got into the Flight Academy and were able to go,” said Kelley. Seeing these students succeed encouraged her to keep pursuing her interest in aviation.
Kelley’s interest stems from a movie she watched in childhood.
“I watched the movie Top Gun when I was 11, and I absolutely loved it. I don’t know why, but I just thought the planes were so cool, and I’ve been a bit obsessed with them ever since,” said Kelley.
Kelley plans to pursue professional piloting as a career. She applied to a few colleges and universities’ programs in that field, but because it is such a specialty, there are not many options and the programs are both highly selective and extremely expensive. Kelley is also interested in economics and applied to most colleges with that as her major. However, she does not think that rules out a future in aviation.
“Fun fact: most pilots don’t major in anything to do with being a pilot,” said Kelley.
Cox sees her potential and believed she could have great success in the field.
“Anna is bright and a great critical thinker. You have to be a quick learner for aviation and Anna has that ability,” said Cox.
Though the Flight Academy is still months away, Kelley is doing everything she can do to practice and prepare.
“I’m so grateful for all the people who have helped me get to this point,” said Kelley.
“I can’t wait to make them proud.”
