Two local high school students, Thomas Ayala of Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy and Jesse Taylor of East Rutherford High School recently received their Billy Mitchell Awards in the Shelby Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol Program. To earn the Billy Mitchell Award and the rank of Cadet Second Lieutenant a cadet must pass two comprehensive exams covering leadership theory and aerospace topics, complete the Cadet Physical Fitness Test, participated in an Encampment and have met specific leadership expectations within the program. Cadets who receive the Billy Mitchell Award are also eligible for advanced placement to the grade of E-3 (Airman First Class) should they choose to enter the US Air Force. Only 15% of Civil Air Patrol cadets will obtain the General Billy Mitchell Award. Congratulations to these cadets for their achievement!
The Civil Air Patrol is a non profit youth organization for children ages 12-18. Youth learn about leadership, character development, aerospace education, emergency services, and disaster relief. Cadets also learn about healthy lifestyles, physical education, drug prevention, and more.
The Shelby Composite Squadron meets every Tuesday evening from 6-8:30pm and is located at 832 College Avenue in Shelby, NC. We would love for you to come out for a visit and see if this is something you or your child would like to be a part of!

Left to right: Tommy Ayala and Jesse Taylor.
Submitted by Cheryl Vagnozzi