×
×
homepage logo
LOGIN
SUBSCRIBE

Air Force Scholarship given to Nashua North student

By Grace Pecci - Staff Writer | Jan 30, 2019

Courtesy photo Nashua High School North senior Adam Landry recently received a scholarship to attend an accredited aviation university.

NASHUA – In a few months, Nashua High School North senior Adam Landry will be jetting off to participate in an eight-week private pilot license training program, thanks to a scholarship he received from the Headquarters Air Force Junior ROTC, Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama.

Landry is one of 150 cadets around the world to receive the scholarship. More than 1,560 cadets applied to the program. This scholarship, worth about $20,000, will cover transportation, room and board, academics and flight hours required. Landry will have a chance at earning his private pilot license through this program and will receive 12 college credits upon completion.

This summer, Landry will be matched and sent to an accredited aviation university. Based on program needs, requirements, dates of the program, number of students and a variety of other factors, Landry will be sent to one of the following

universities for eight weeks: California Baptist University, Delaware State University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, or at its other location in Prescott, Arizona, Florida Memorial University, Kansas State University, Liberty University, Purdue University, University of North Dakota, University of Oklahoma and Utah Valley University.

Landry had to advance through a two-month application process. He had to submit information on his demographics, his experience in the Air Force Junior ROTC program in his school, and the clubs in which he participates. He also had to take a physical training test and an academic test.

Maj. Brian Newton and school Principal Nate Burns also had to fill out questionnaires ranking Landry.

A few months later, Newton shared with Landry that he had been chosen. Landry was ecstatic.

“My whole goal in high school has been to prepare myself for the future and set myself up for positive avenues. Hearing I got into this program – it’s absolutely beyond words, I’m so excited,” Landry said, “It’s that sense of pride and accomplishment you get because I know I’ve worked hard for it. I know it’s not a given. It’s something that I was selected to get into and it’s an amazing feeling.”

Landry said he is excited to have an opportunity to do something beyond the norm for someone transitioning right from high school to college.

“It’s going to give me a foot forward going into the Air Force ROTC and upper hand to go into flight school. I’m also looking forward to the opportunity to explore new places and to meet new people,” Landry said.

The ROTC program at North established a foundation for Landry’s future.

“With new cadets in the program, we tell them you get out what you put into it. I can personally attest to it myself. It’s changed my life for the better,” Landry said. “I enjoy the people who are in it and the connections I’ve made through the program, not only making friends, but also making strong connections with the instructors.”

Landry added that he’s enjoyed all the opportunities the program has given him.

“I’ve seen myself grow immensely as a leader. I’ve seen myself become more organized, and along with that, I’ve seen all the other cadets and new cadets grow along with me. It’s really amazing to be able to mentor new cadets and look back and say, ‘Wow, that was me when I first came in. Look at where we are now and all we have succeeded in.’ It’s really developed me overall as a person. The skills I’ve learned from it have improved me as a citizen.”

Landry will be attending Syracuse University in the fall where he will be take part in the university’s Air Force ROTC program and study mechanical engineering. Landry has received a commander scholarship, meaning meaning the Air Force will cover his tuition. He will serve in the Air Force for a minimum of four years, and possibly more, once he graduates.

Newsletter

Join thousands already receiving our daily newsletter.

Interests
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *