Special to IFN

Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, a NJROTC Cadet at Mooresville High School, has been selected for the prestigious 2025 Commander, Naval Air Force Private Pilot Scholarship.

Cadet Fitzpatrick was one of only 10 students selected nationwide for this honor. The scholarship, valued at approximately $26,000, will cover room and board, college tuition, and flight hours needed to earn a Private Pilot’s License through an intensive eight-week collegiate program.

There is no military commitment attached to this program. The competitive selection process took into account academic performance (GPA), Flight Aptitude Exam results, physical fitness, personal essays, and extracurricular activities.

“I’ve always had a passion for flying, so when this opportunity came up through NJROTC, I was thrilled to apply and am grateful to have been chosen. I’m looking forward to diving into aviation and seeing where it takes me,” Fitzpatrick said.

Aviation runs in her family – her father and grandfather both served as U.S. Marine Corps pilots, and her father currently flies for American Airlines.

An active participant in NJROTC, Fitzpatrick engages in drill, color guard, orienteering, academic competitions, and athletics. Last summer, she attended the NJROTC Sail Academy at Lake Moultrie and the Leadership Academy at The Citadel.

In addition to her NJROTC involvement, Elizabeth has participated in cross country, indoor track, basketball, and softball at Mooresville High School. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.