Two Wenatchee High School (WHS) juniors, Sierra Cook and Alejandro Anguiano, have been selected for the prestigious Air Force Flight Academy program. This highly competitive aviation training program, sponsored by the Air Force, provides students with the opportunity to earn their private pilot's license in just eight weeks. Cook and Anguiano are the first Air Force Junior ROTC (AFJROTC) cadets from Wenatchee High School to receive this honor and are two of three selected from Washington State.

Out of approximately 16,000 AFJROTC cadets nationwide, only 194 were chosen for the Flight Academy. The selection process is rigorous, requiring applicants to write an essay, take a timed aviation qualifying test, demonstrate community involvement, and meet physical fitness standards. 

The Flight Academy program will take place this summer at a partner university. The Air Force provides a $27,000 scholarship to each student selected for the Flight Academy, covering all expenses. Cook and Anguiano are working to meet federal aviation prerequisites, such as obtaining medical clearance and a student pilot certificate.

Both students expressed excitement for the opportunity. Cook shared that her passion for aviation was ignited by flying with her grandfather. Anguiano highlighted life skills, relationships and engaging academics that AFJROTC has offered him. 

”This program has impacted me in several ways. It has helped me develop my character through its curriculum focused on life skills like punctuality, listening skills, and leadership—skills I can use throughout my life. The family aspect of the program has been valuable, providing me with trusted adults I can turn to. Academically, I've enjoyed learning things that really interest me such as aviation and aerospace science,” explained Anguiano.

Senior Master Sergeant (Ret.) Larry Nahalea, the AFJROTC instructor at WHS, expressed immense pride in his students' achievements. “We have 60 students in our program at WHS, and two were selected for this honor from cadets worldwide. It’s a testament to how hard they worked, how well-rounded they are, and their passion, and it really showed in the application process.” It’s noteworthy that the ROTC program at WHS is only in it’s third year of operations. He also highlighted the program's comprehensive offerings, including academic credit, character development, leadership skills, and opportunities for college, trade schools, and the military.

Students Interested in exploring the opportunities in the WHS AFJROTC program are encouraged to contact Senior Master Sergeant (Ret.) for more information, speak with their counselors or visit the AFJROTC classroom at WHS for more information.