Stebbins student Mellon soars in JROTC Flight Academy
In a remarkable show of skill and dedication, Stebbins High School senior Cadet Lilly Mellon has been chosen for this summer’s highly competitive HQ Air Force Junior ROTC Flight Academy, a milestone achievement not only for her but also for the school’s JROTC program.
Cadet Mellon is among the elite group of 171 cadets selected worldwide, making her one of only two in the Dayton area to receive this honor. This selection is a significant achievement, considering the rigorous selection process and the high level of competition.
Post-graduation, Mellon will embark on an exciting journey to an as-yet-undetermined university campus equipped with a flight program. Here, she will undergo intensive training to earn her private pilot’s license. This opportunity is made even more extraordinary by the fact that the entire program, valued at approximately $30,000, is fully funded by the HQ AFJROTC.
But the ambitions of this young cadet stretch even further. Lilly Mellon plans to continue her military education either through college Air Force ROTC or by attending the U.S. Air Force Academy. With a Congressional nomination already secured, she is currently in the thick of the application and selection process for the prestigious USAFA. Her ultimate goal? To serve as an Air Force pilot after completing her college education.
Lilly’s selection is not just a personal triumph but also a point of pride for the Mad River Local Schools JROTC program. She represents the sixth selectee from MRLS in the past six years, a record that surpasses any other district in Ohio, highlighting the exceptional quality of the JROTC program at Stebbins High School. This achievement is a testament to Cadet Mellon’s hard work, dedication, and passion for aviation and military service. It also underscores the supportive environment and high-quality training provided by the MRLS JROTC program, which continues to nurture and develop the potential of young individuals like Lilly.
As the community and school celebrate this remarkable accomplishment, Cadet Mellon prepares for a summer that will no doubt be a significant step toward her dream of soaring high in the skies as an Air Force pilot.
The HQ AFJROTC Flight Academy is a prestigious program aimed at inspiring and educating the selected cadets in the field of aviation. It provides a unique opportunity for high school students to develop skills and gain experiences that lay the groundwork for future careers in aviation and the Air Force.