2 minute read

A society where accolades rain down like lunchtime confetti, behold the phenomenon of 88 scholarships amounting to more than $139,000, showered upon the tireless cadets of our beloved 75 squadrons across 31 wings. Among our champions are two trailblazers from overseas squads stationed in Germany, because why should geography limit the glow of achievement? In an awe-inspiring show of generosity, the digits tally up to 85 cadet beneficiaries this year, basking in the glory of academic pursuits, aerial escapades, leadership enlightenment, and the mythical National Cadet Special Activities. A special homage goes to two wizards from the Mid-Atlantic region, each snagging a pair of these golden tickets.

The Florida Wing’s groundbreaking invention, the Homestead Air Reserve Base Composite Squadron, even pocketed a legendary $1,000 CAP Foundation leadership scholarship, making it the Willy Wonka of educational fund innovation. The categories break down as follows:

  • 44 academic scholarships, symbolizing half the treasure chest and amassing $87,744, an astounding near-63% of the haul. Take that, math.
  • 31 flight scholarships to the tune of $39,956. Pilots, rejoice.
  • A lukewarm seven scholarships adding up to $5,800, devoted to unlocking the mysteries of National Cadet Special Activities.
  • Five leadership-focused scholarships, valued at $1,000 each, for those who have mastered the art of instructing others to march in straight lines.

Furthermore, a mystical $1,000 scholarship open to the recipient’s whims, whether the skies or scholastic endeavors call to them. The Southeast Region emerges as the overachiever with 18 scholarships, while the Pacific Region proudly waves a banner for 17, and the Mid-Atlantic Region struts with 15.

In the grand tribal competition, the Florida and New Jersey wings tie for seven scholarships each, ever so slightly nudging past their rivals in Alaska and California with six apiece.

Starring in this saga of excess and ambition are Cadet Cols. Timothy Gann and Rachel Sherrod, both being the envy of overachieving cadet circles. Cadet Col. Gann, of the Maryland Wing’s Bethesda-Chevy Chase Composite Squadron, nails it with a $2,550 CAP Academic Scholarship plus a neat $1,000 Maryland Wing Academic Scholarship. His master plan? A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity from Liberty University, while simultaneously ascending to cyber intelligence overlord of the U.S. Air Force.

In parallel, Cadet Col. Rachel Sherrod from Virginia Wing’s Newport-News Composite Squadron carves her destiny with a $2,000 CAP Academic Scholarship and an $800 bonus boost from a Cadet Officer School Scholarship. With capes flapping in the virtual breeze, she aims to stride forth with a business and leadership degree from her fortress at NorthGreenville University. By January 2027, her power will expand with a master’s degree shift from Radford University—online, of course, because why face reality?

Sherrod’s fortune-teller escapades at the Cadet Officer School grant her the privilege to refine her skills at the prestigious Maxwell Air Force Base venue, essential for honing leadership by the lakes of Alabama. Her motto seems to be: “Without funds, there is no fun,” hence her gratitude to the scholarship gods for bestowing her the chance to gallantly advance her leadership prowess.

Updated: