Fort Bend ISD’s Austin High School continues to lead the nation in the number of students selected for the prestigious Commander of Naval Air Forces Flight Academy, with the recent announcement that Naval JROTC cadet Precious Ukah will attend the 2025 summer camp.

Naval JROTC cadet Hayley Soo was named as an alternate.

Since 2023, four Naval JROTC Austin High School cadets have been accepted into the program, all under the leadership of Austin High School Senior Naval Science Instructor and U.S. Navy Retired Senior Chief Aaron Johnson.

According to Johnson, Austin High School not only leads the Naval JROTC in producing student pilots but surpasses all other JROTC branches as well.

Each year, the United States Navy funds scholarships worth $26,000 for each student to attend its flight academy. Students undergo an extensive selection process, where they are evaluated based on their grades, leadership roles, community service and a 400-word essay. Additionally, they must excel on the Aviation Qualifying Test and other assessments measuring their aviation knowledge. This year, more than 500 students applied for just 10 coveted spots in the program.

At the end of the intensive eight-week program, cadets earn college credit and have the opportunity to obtain their private pilot’s license.

For senior JROTC cadet Andy Chang, attending the Flight Academy was a defining moment in his high school journey.

“I wanted to do basketball first, but I also had the dream of joining the Navy. I met Senior Chief Johnson, and he advised me to join JROTC. This has been one of the best decisions in my high school career. It has exposed me to a newfound passion for aviation and helped me achieve the goal of obtaining my pilot license. My first time piloting an aircraft was exciting and further solidified my career choice of becoming a naval aviator or commercial pilot,” Chang said.

For senior JROTC cadet Imoleayo Oyeku, a field trip with JROTC was the spark that ignited his aviation aspirations.

“Attending the Houston Air Show in 11th grade with JROTC motivated me to apply for the Flight Academy. My first piloting experience was quite nerve-wracking, but I would not trade it. I am thankful for JROTC and Senior Chief Johnson for this opportunity. JROTC not only prepares you for the military, but you learn leadership skills, time management, and many other skills that can be applied to any career field. When I graduate, I will pursue Naval aviation or become a commercial pilot,” Oyeku said.

Austin High School’s first cadet to attend the flight academy, Reva Jogdand (Class of 2023), is now a freshman at The University of Texas. Seniors Andy Chang and Imoleayo Oyeku also received scholarships and attended the Flight Academy in summer 2024.

More Fort Bend ISD Students Flying High

Beyond Austin High School, Fort Bend ISD continues to produce top-tier aviation cadets. Kempner High School’s Christopher Sigurdson earned a $15,000 scholarship to attend the 2025 Air Force JROTC Flight Academy after competing in a rigorous selection process.

As Fort Bend ISD’s aviation cadets continue to soar to new heights, their success reinforces the district’s commitment to leadership, discipline and career preparation through JROTC and CTE programs.