MINT HILL, NC – Independence High School Senior Lily Todd, an AFJROTC Cadet and leader on the Squadron, received scholarships for her academic excellence. Miss Todd, who is an outstanding student currently ranked second in her senior class by a fraction, she is also a key member of the girls varsity basketball team at Indy. She has also participated in many community service activities during her tenure in high school.

Miss Todd has applied to the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, which is by a congressional appointment from a District Representative, a U.S. Senator, or Vice President. She has received a conditional acceptance to these institutions. We have been informed Miss Todd just needs to pass the physical exam and will receive her full acceptance notification. She wants to fly and become a pilot in the military serving our great nation.

The most important scholarship is the J100 Leadership Program. This is an AFROTC Scholarship that allows her to go to any school that has AFROTC, and the Air Force picks up the cost of her entire education including housing.

1. J-100 AFJROTC Leadership Scholarship – The J-100 scholarship program focuses on character, leadership, citizenship, and diversity and it inspires future leaders to seek careers in the U.S. Air Force and Space Force.
2. Flight Academy Scholarship – The Air Force JROTC Flight Academy is an approximately 8-week summer aviation training program, conducted at partnering universities nationwide. Upon successful completion of the program, students are awarded a Private Pilot’s Certification.

This writer has known Miss Todd for the past two years, and she is an impressive young lady who has lofty aspirations and will be successful at anything she wants to accomplish. She sets high standards of achievement and is an excellent role model. We are proud of her accomplishments and wish her much success as she pursues her dream to become a military aviator. Who knows what’s next for her in life’s journey, but whatever her future pursuits might be, she will be well prepared and have the right stuff to be successful.