Page 14B
The Kings Mountain Herald | www.kmherald.com
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Barnette reports for Air Force basic training June 24
ELIZABETH STEWART
lib.kmherald @ gmail.com
“I'm nervous and ex-
cited," says Zoe Barnette,
18, on her appointment by
10th District United States
Congressman Patrick
McHenry to the United
States Air Force Academy.
The Kings Mountain
High School graduating
senior was recognized on
Awards Day as recipient
of a four-year scholarship
worth $400,000.
“I really was planning
to attend Wingate Univer-
sity or North Carolina Cen-
tral University and study
political science in prepara-
tion for a law degree," said
Zoe. An Air Force recruiter
helped her change her ca-
reer plans.
The Air Force Academy
at Colorado Springs, Col-
orado is unique in its duel
role as an Air Force instal-
lation and a university. The
10th Air Base Wing pro-
vides logistical, medical,
fire response, security, civil
engineering, family care
and medical support across
the 18,000 acre installation
for a community of approx-
imately 25,000.
Once the personable
and statuesque (5 ft. 10
inches tall) Barnette made
the decision to apply for
the scholarship it took 10
months before the appoint-
ment by the Congressman.
Medical screening, fitness
exams, interviews, back-
ground checks, references,
and immunizations are all a
part of the lengthy applica-
tion process.
Zoe's parents, LaVon-
dra and Charles McClain,
support her in her desire
to be a Second Lieutenant
in the United States Air
Force once she graduates
after four years of training
at the facility. Zoe is an
only child but her parents
will be able to visit her on
Labor Day and once she
completes basic training
there will be more time for
visits.
“I report for basic train-
ing on June 24," said Zoe,
who has been told to pack
"basic stuff" including toi-
letries and her glasses.
She's sure the training
will be tough but this All
A student this year has
run both cross country and
field and was basketball
manager for three years.
She has also been active
in the National Honor So-
ciety, the National Tech
Honor Society and the Beta
Club, among extracurricu-
lar activities. She is also
active in Kingdom Living
Ministries in Gastonia. Her
classwork this year has in-
cluded English, Compara-
tive Government, and CTE
Courses.
Barnette has been told
that Cadets at the USAF
Academy are told that life
at the acadenty takes ded-
ication, sacrifice, stamina,
strong self discipline, and
excellent time manage-
ment skills. However, the
rewards include longtime
friendships, honor, per-
sonal development, pride
and a career as an officer in
the world's most proficient
air, space, and cyberspace
force.
Says Zoe, “I'm ready to
go, physically and mentally
prepared, nervous but very
excited and God-willing
make my folks and friends
proud."
ZOE BARNETTE
Sidewalk{Sunvey,
What are your plans
after high school gradvation?
COLLIN FOSTER
| plan to enroll at North Carolina
State University and major in
engineering.
TYLER BATCHLER
| will be a student at UNC in
Charlotte and will major in
Chemistry.
University.
KIRBY HULLENDER
| will be going to Gaston College
for two years and then trans-
ferring to North Carolina State
TRENT PLOEGER
| will be a student at North Car-
olina State University and major
in engineering.
MACKENZIE SMITH
| will be going to Clemson Uni-
versity and major in animal and
veterinary sciences. My vacation
plans this summer include a
cruise and a trip to the Big
Apple New York City.
Kings Mountain Branch ¢ 209 S. Battleground Ave., Kings Mountain
The Rutare belongs to those
who believe in their dreams
704-739-5411
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