School District Five student earns private pilot certification through scholarship

For Immediate Release – February 12, 2024

School District Five student earns private pilot certification through scholarship

IRMO – A Dutch Fork High School JROTC cadet attended and graduated from the Air Force JROTC (AFJROTC) Flight Academy this past summer to earn a private pilot certification, via a $25,000 scholarship sponsored by AFJROTC headquarters.

Christian Smith is a senior at Dutch Fork High School and is now a part of the less than 1% of our society who has earned a private pilot license. He plans to attend West Point Academy to pursue a degree in psychology and biology and commission as a US Army officer.

“I am thankful to represent not only my unit but also my school and grateful for the opportunity to pursue aviation and earn my pilot license,” Smith said. “All throughout the JROTC flight school program was an incredibly challenging and rewarding experience. To me, obtaining my pilot’s license means more than the ability to fly. It proves to me that with enough determination and hard work, anything is possible.”

The Air Force JROTC Flight Academy is an approximate 8-week summer aviation training program, conducted at partnering universities nationwide. Upon successful completion of the program, students are awarded a Private Pilot's Certification. Flight Academy is intended to inspire and encourage high school youth toward aviation careers. The scholarship program is a collaborative effort between the aerospace industry and the Air Force to address a national pilot shortage. Currently, Boeing predicts an annual need to hire 6 civilian pilots a year for the next 20 years.  

“Christian is a super young man who exemplifies Fox pride, is very resilient, and presents his best effort in everything that he does,” Dutch Fork High School Aerospace Science Instructor Maj. Reginald Slade said. “He has also done an incredible job achieving maximum impact as a leader within his sphere of influence as he continues to lead aviation classes weekly. Christian is truly among the best of the best and I wish him success in all future endeavors!”

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