Flying High: Senior Katie Scheibner Accepted to Air Force Academy

Written by Kayla Glaraton

The United States Air Force Academy, one of the most competitive schools in the country, is getting a Raptor next year. Senior Katie Scheibner was accepted to the class of 2020 earlier this year.

It was not an easy task as the application process is long and rigorous. Scheibner began seriously considering the school in January of her junior year and was accepted in early 2016, after medical evaluations, congressional nominations, and extensive interviews.

A major portion of the application includes active participation in extracurriculars, in which regard Scheibner is certainly not lacking. She is in both National Honor Society and Key Club, and plays hockey and soccer.

Earlier last month, she received the Athena Award for outstanding qualities on and off the field.

When asked about the application process as a whole, she said that it was important to be patient and remember that every part of the application had a purpose. After completing the application, there was still a great amount of uncertainty, she admitted, because there are so many reasons a nominee can be disqualified. She was surprised at her acceptance, but is excited to be attending a school with what she described as something more than what other colleges have.

What drew Scheibner to the Air Force Academy was the focus and drive that its graduates have. She is not exactly sure what she will major in next year, but is thinking of studying some form of engineering. As for her future in the Air Force, she has many options to choose from, such as logistics and investigation. Whatever she chooses, she will definitely represent East Ridge well.