My accomplishments: As the former Corps Commander of over 100 AFJROTC cadets, I led initiatives that included guiding 18 cadets to complete 100-plus service hours each and raising $8,000 through volunteer efforts. I was honored as the 2023-2024 Air Force/Space Force Junior ROTC Cadet of the Year, ranking No. 1 out of 17,000 cadets. I revitalized the Drill Teams, led the Color Guard to a national competition and founded the local Kitty Hawk Air Society chapter. Additionally, I co-founded the Drones Team, training members in aerial skills and growing the team by 300%.

I want everyone to know: My success in Air Force Junior ROTC isn’t an individual effort. I had an incredible support system of parents, teachers and peers supporting me every step of the journey. This achievement, although characterized as an individual award, is an award to our community’s efforts and support to our nation’s youth.

Future plans: Following high school, I plan on attending college and pursuing a career in the medical field as a registered physician (MD).

My greatest quality: My passion. Being passionate about something means you are willing to do whatever it takes to be the best. Passion is what drives people to make the change they want to see in this world.

A saying I live by: “Full Send.” Never do anything halfway; if you’re going to do something, commit yourself 100%.

If I could choose one superpower: It would be the ability to stop time. If I could stop time, I would be able to solve many world issues that experts are fighting against the clock to solve. Being able to stop time would also allow me to learn indefinitely and help more people than could have ever been possible.

My message to the world: Nobody can do it alone. Having a support network behind you all the time, no matter the scenario, is always going to work out better than if you were alone. If you want to be the best, don’t do it alone. 

Photos: Nicole Hamel