Vilius Bagdzevicius

 

Three high school students from the Houston area have been chosen to participate in the elite U.S. Navy Summer Flight Academy this summer. Vilius Bagdzevicius from Memorial Senior High School in Houston, Andy Chang from Stephen F. Austin High School in Sugarland, and Leanna Johnson from Dayton High School in Dayton will attend the intensive eight-week aviation program at Delaware State University from June 9 to August 2. Upon completion, they will each earn their FAA Private Pilot’s license.

Bagdzevicius, Chang, and Johnson are among just 28 high-performing 11th and 12th graders selected nationwide for this prestigious program. Established in 2021 by the Commander, Naval Air Forces (CNAF), the program aims to increase exposure to Naval Aviation. The Navy collaborates with select universities across the country to offer this flight training, which is valued at approximately $28,000 per student. Remarkably, it is provided at no cost to the students, and there are no obligations attached. In addition to their pilot certification, participants earn five college credits.

 Andy Chang
 

The Summer Flight Academy is sponsored by the Department of the Navy for students in Navy and Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. It is a STEM initiative funded by the Naval STEM Coordination Office at the Office of Naval Research, which manages investments in STEM education, outreach, and workforce initiatives.

“The goal of the scholarship program is to inspire and expose exceptional young talent from communities across the nation to a career path in Naval Aviation,” said Tamara Graham, Deputy Director and CNAF Flight Academy Program Manager. “Vilius Bagdzevicius, Andy Chang, and Leanna Johnson have demonstrated incredible potential, and the Navy is honored to play a part in their personal and professional journeys.”

Throughout the eight-week academy, each student will receive a minimum of 32 hours of classroom aviation academics and more than 40 hours of flight training in either a Vulcanair V.10 single-engine aircraft or Piper Warrior (PA-28). As part of their certification process, they will also be required to complete 17 hours of solo flights.

 Leanna Johnson
 

This program not only provides an unparalleled educational experience but also opens the door for these students to pursue future careers in aviation and beyond.