Lifelong Dream Takes Flight for Highland High Grad Jack Stringer 

Recent Highland High School graduate Jack Stringer is fulfilling a dream he’s had since early childhood: to become a fighter pilot. His journey began long before he reported for basic training this summer at the prestigious United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, requiring years of dedication, discipline, and perseverance.

Stringer’s passion for flight and aviation started when he was just three, going to air shows with his family. His mother, Mary Miller, says that ever since his first air show, he has been fascinated by everything related to aviation and has always wanted to fly. By the time he was in junior high, Stringer knew he wanted to attend the Air Force Academy.

“That instilled the love of flight in me and motivated me to start flying,” Stringer said. “For almost my whole life, I wanted to be a part of the military in some way, so that drove me to get here.”

Stringer was active in several education and training programs to foster his love of aviation and prepare him for military service. In his sophomore year, Stringer completed a Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program at Fort Hunter Liggett and joined the Bakersfield 121st Civil Air Patrol (CAP) squadron. The following year, he participated in his school’s Regional Occupational Center (ROC) aviation program and got his pilot’s license at 17, an age when many students are still learning to drive.

Miller’s experience as a high school counselor helped guide Jack through the long and rigorous application process and keep him on track. Candidates must be nominated by a government official, which Stringer got through Congressman David Valadao. He also had to be cleared medically, pass a physical fitness test, and maintain excellent grades.

“The application process is quite long. If you’re wanting to go to the Academy you need to start your application your junior year of high school,” Stringer said.  “All in all, it’s about three different applications and five interviews. Not to mention having an above average GPA, community service, leadership experience, and decent SAT scores.”

The road to the Academy was not without its challenges. Diagnosed with ADHD at age eight, Jack knew that in order to apply, he had to be medication-free for two years.

“He did his research and knew what he had to do,” his mother said. “He quit all his medication, started swimming to help manage his condition, and worked hard to stay focused. He even became the MVP of his swim team.”

Jack’s determination paid off. In addition to being accepted into the Air Force Academy, he was accepted to several universities, including CSU Long Beach, CSU San Jose, Texas A&M, and the University of Alaska in Fairbanks, where he was offered a full-ride scholarship. However, his heart was set on the Air Force Academy, where he could pursue his passion for aeronautical engineering while serving his country.

“Military service to me is quite important because it is all about serving something larger than yourself and making personal sacrifices to accomplish one goal or mission for the greater good,” Stringer said.

His hard work and singular focus didn’t go unnoticed. Congressman Valadao’s office, which nominated Jack for the Academy, was impressed by his passion for aviation and his preparedness for the rigors of Academy life. The nomination committee said he had done his research, was intelligent, well-spoken, and asked great questions.

“I am proud Jack was offered an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy and wish him well in his military career,” Congressman Valadao said.

Congressman Valadao stressed the honor and importance of military service across the United States. He says we owe servicemembers a great debt of gratitude for their selfless service to protect our country, and he’s proud that 16 students from his district are currently serving at the various Service Academies.

“One of my favorite duties as a Member of Congress is nominating the Central Valley’s best and brightest young men and women to our nation’s Service Academies,” he said. “We will continue to send exceptional students to become the next generation of outstanding military leaders.”

Valadao also encourages high-achieving students to consider Service Academies as an excellent next step in their higher education. These academies offer a four-year, full-ride scholarship with a stipend for living expenses for students. Graduates earn a military officer’s commission and have a guaranteed, well-paying job after college. However, competition is tough. Only the best students with excellent grades, interest in athletics, demonstrated leadership, and good character are offered a spot.

“I encourage any student in the Central Valley who fits that criteria to consider applying to a Service Academy,” Congressman Valadao said. “It is one of the best opportunities our country offers its young people.”

Now a cadet at the Air Force Academy, Stringer’s journey is just beginning. He’ll be in Colorado Springs for the next four years and then will graduate as a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force. From there, the sky’s the limit, with options to go to flight school where he will fly fighter jets or pursue his master’s degree in aeronautical engineering. 

Despite the challenges ahead, Stringer is excited about the opportunities that await him.

“It is a huge accomplishment making it past basic and into the academic year, but the next accomplishment is being recognized,” he said. “This is the tradition of becoming an upperclassman and obtaining my prop and wings!”

As Stringer embarks on this new chapter, his mother says she’s a little nervous about him joining the military and will miss him so much while he’s away, but she couldn’t be prouder.

“It’s crazy to see my little boy as an adult, doing big things,” Miller said. “I’m just so proud of him and everything he’s accomplished. He’s making his own dreams come true.”

For Jack Stringer, the Air Force Academy is not just the next step in his education; it’s the fulfillment of a lifelong dream and the beginning of a bright future. With his eyes on the sky, he’s ready to let his dreams take wing.

“I am happy to be here, and I know I am where I’m supposed to be,” he said.