A high school student in Tuscaloosa is receiving a very high honor this summer.

Maureen York, a student at Northridge High School, was hand-picked as one of just 28 high-performing 11th and 12th graders throughout the entire country to complete an in-depth eight-week U.S. Navy Summer Flight Academy aviation program at Elizabeth City State University in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.

The program was established in 2021 by the Commander, Naval Air Forces (CNAF) to increase exposure to Naval Aviation, and when York completes it, she will receive her FAA Private Pilot’s license.

“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,” says Tamara Graham, Deputy Director, CNAF Flight Academy Program Manager. “Maureen York has demonstrated incredible potential, and the Navy is honored to play a part in her personal and professional journey.”

York 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 well as 17 hours of solo flights.