Participating in the NFA program were (standing, from left) Jaquan Walker, Jim Hill; Vivian Sandifer, Murrah; Chelsea Dortch, Murrah; Haley Rucker, Murrah; Marquez Wilkerson, Wingfield; Aya Johnson, Jim Hill; Meshanna Marzette, Jim Hill; Mya Brown, Jim Hill; and Allen Cooper, Wingfield; (sitting, from left) Estrella Bucio, Jim Hill; Te'Ravius Wiley, Wingfield; Nwaynah Littleton, Jim Hill; Raquan Young, Wingfield; and Denisse Bucio, Jim Hill.

A group of 14 JPS JROTC cadets successfully completed the National Flight Academy's AIR Ambition program conducted at the Pensacola (Florida) Naval Air Station from May 25 through May 30, 2014.

The National Flight Academy (NFA) is designed to address the serious concerns of declining Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) skills and standards in our country. The Academy's mission is to inspire students who subsequently return to their original schools and seek out the more challenging courses in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Disciplines include aerodynamics, propulsion, navigation, communications, flight physiology and meteorology, along with core values, teamwork, and leadership skills development.

The cadets successfully met challenges in mathematics related to navigation and flight planning. They also applied principals of physics and aeronautical engineering to manage aircraft simulators in performing difficult tasks. The cadets exercised communication, collaboration, problem-solving and critical thinking skills to plan, control and execute highly complex missions under stressful conditions.

Cadet Allen Cooper, a rising senior at Wingfield High School, elaborated on his experience at the National Flight Academy.

"I learned a lot about aviation such as movements and terminology. I got the chance to fly a simulator of an experimental jet. It was very exciting learning to control the jet."

Col. (Ret.) Paul Willis, Director, JPS JROTC, was very proud of these cadets and their accomplishments.

"To my knowledge, these are the first JPS JROTC cadets to attend this course and we certainly intend to provide this opportunity to more cadets in the future," said Col. Willis. "This is part of our continuing effort to expose our cadets to meaningful experiences, which enhance their personal development and academic skills."

The course costs $1,250.00 per student, however, students could apply for scholarships. All JPS JROTC cadets attending the course in 2014 applied for and received scholarships to cover the full cost of the course.