Two Charlotte Students Selected For Elite Navy Summer Flight Academy

This summer is going to look a little different for two special students in the Charlotte area. Maya Charlton and Jadyn Dixon will complete an intensive eight-week U.S. Navy Summer Flight Academy aviation program at Delaware State University in Dover, DE. They will get the chance to get their FAA Private Pilot’s licenses upon completion of the training.

Charlton is a student at Porter Ridge High School in Indian Trail, NC, and Dixon attends South Iredell High School in Statesville, NC. This summer, the students will spend their time training from June 12 to August 5. According to a press release, Charlton and Dixon are just 2 of 20 participating students throughout the U.S. The program is to help increase diversity in naval aviation.

Meanwhile, each student will get to experience the training that would normally cost nearly $24,000 each for zero cost with no obligations. As a result of the program, each student will earn a private pilot certification/license and five college credits. The Summer Flight Academy program is for students participating in the Navy and Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps.

“Maya Charlton and Jadyn Dixon have what it takes to be leaders in the field of aviation, and the Navy is honored to play a part in their personal and professional journeys," says Commander Chris Williams, a Navy fighter pilot, instructor, and Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Commander, Naval Air Force.

During the program, each will receive a minimum of 32 hours of classroom aviation academics and 49 hours of flight training. In addition, they will have to also complete 17 hours of solo flights. The Charlotte area is excited to see what the future holds for these two young students.

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona today announced the 58th class of U.S. Presidential Scholars, recognizing 161 high school seniors. These students are recognized for their accomplishments in several things. This includes academics, the arts, and the career and technical education fields. Three are from the state of North Carolina.

“Our 2022 Presidential Scholars represent the best of America, and remind us that when empowered by education, there are no limits to what our young people can achieve," said the U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. "Today, I join President Biden to celebrate a class of scholars whose pursuit of knowledge, generosity of spirit, and exceptional talents bring our nation tremendous pride. Throughout one of the most trying periods in our nation’s history and amid our recovery from the pandemic, our students have once again demonstrated their strength and that they have so much to contribute to our country. Thanks to them, I know America's future is bright."

Scholars are selected by the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars based on their academic success, artistic and technical excellence, essays, school evaluations, and transcripts, as well as a demonstrated commitment to community service and leadership. According to a Presidential Executive Order, the 2022 Presidential Scholars are comprised of one young man and one young woman from each state. Three are from the state of North Carolina.

Created in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored over 7,900 of the nation’s top-performing students. The program was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary, and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields. The Presidential Scholars Class of 2022 will be recognized for their outstanding achievement this summer with an online recognition program. A complete list of 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholars is available here.

Kayla McKenzie Moore, East Rutherford High School, Forest City, North Carolina (U.S. Presidential Scholar in Career and Technical Education).

Benjamin Brown Knight, Chapel Hill High School, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Dheepthi Mohanraj, The North Carolina School of Science & Mathematics, Durham, North Carolina.