School District Five student earns private pilot certification through scholarship

Dutch Fork High School JROTC cadet earned a private pilot certification Air Force JROTC (AFJROTC) Flight Academy, said school officials.

Photo: Lexington-Richland School District Five

IRMO, S.C. (WOLO)– A Dutch Fork High School JROTC cadet earned a private pilot certification from the Air Force JROTC (AFJROTC) Flight Academy, said school officials.

Dutch Fork senior Christian Smith is now a part of the less than 1% who has earned a private pilot license.

“I am thankful to represent not only my unit but also my school and grateful for the opportunity to pursue aviation and earn my pilot license. To me, obtaining my pilot’s license means more than the ability to fly. It proves to me that with enough determination and hard work, anything is possible,” Smith said.

Smith plans to attend West Point Academy to pursue a degree in psychology and biology and commission as a US Army officer.

The senior took part in the Air Force JROTC Flight Academy’s 8-week summer aviation training program through a $25,000 sponsored scholarship.

“Christian is a super young man who exemplifies Fox pride, is very resilient, and presents his best effort in everything that he does,” Dutch Fork High School Aerospace Science Instructor Maj. Reginald Slade said.