Two cadets from The Woodlands High School Air Force JROTC, cadets Tyler Druskoff and Javier Peña Reyes, have been awarded the Air Force Junior ROTC Flight Academy Scholarship for the summer 2021 program.

“The scholarship is an all-expenses paid 8-week course at one of the 23 participating universities nationwide,” Lt. Col. Chris McMartin, head of The Woodlands Air Force JROTC program, said. “Cadets will start from scratch and complete all required ground and flying training to earn their Private Pilot Certificate.”

Without the scholarship, these cadets would be spending roughly $22,500 for the opportunity to gain this experience and earn their pilot license.

Out of the six cadets that applied from The Woodlands High School, Druskoff and Peña Reyes were awarded this scholarship and, with successful completion of the Flight Academy program, will not only earn their license, but earn their cadet pilot wings for their uniform and the ability to wear their flight suit for uniform days.

Druskoff and Peña Reyes both “put a lot of work into making themselves competitive for this year’s opportunity” Lt. Col. McMartin said.

The two cadets had to pass an intense 5-part timed test, the Aviation Qualifying Test, that tested their abilities in math, table reading, aviation knowledge, instrument comprehension, and weight/balance perception. Druskoff and Peña Reyes also had to meet minimum GPA requirements, fitness requirements, and demonstrate a great level of participation in activities both in and outside of JROTC.

Lt. Col. McMartin said that both Druskoff and Peña Reyes will be giving back to The Woodlands JROTC program “through sharing their experience and increased knowledge of aviation and career opportunities available in that field with their fellow cadets.”

With this opportunity that the Air Force Flight Academy Scholarship provides, Druskoff and Peña Reyes will be put ahead of their collegiate peers, if they choose to pursue their own flying careers.