Young Vance residents accepted to AF Academy

  • Published
  • By SrA Amanda Mills
  • Public Affairs
Vance Air Force Base, Okla. --  Two Vance teenagers were recently accepted to attend the US Air Force Academy in Colorado.

Joshua Ellis and Kallyn Johnson, Enid High School seniors and Vance residents, were notified in late November and December of their selections to the Air Force college.

According to the Academy's Website, it takes experience in a well-rounded program of leadership, academic and athletic preparation to be one of the few who can meet the Academy's high admission standards and the fierce competition for appointment.

During the selection process, applicants are evaluated on academic, extracurricular and physical fitness criteria. Candidates with the "whole-person" potential needed to successfully complete the Academy's educational, military and athletic programs are selected and serve as Air Force officers.

Josh dreamed of being a pilot from age four, he said. This dream was cemented while interacting with fighter pilots when his father, Lt Col (Dr) Charles Ellis, 71st Medical Group, was assigned to the 77th Fighter Squadron at Shaw Air Force Base, SC.

"I started the application process early my junior year," Josh said. "I wrote essays on why I wanted to go to the Academy and why I wanted to be an officer. I applied for presidential, senatorial and congressional nominations. I attended the summer scientific seminar between my junior and senior year while my dad was deployed. We lived in the dorms, went to classes and experienced a little of Academy life, including Doolie for a day. It's definitely been time consuming, but when I was accepted a huge boulder rolled off my chest. It's great to have the appointment and I know I'll enjoy it."

Colonel Ellis said Josh heard of the Academy when he was 7 or 8, when Colonel Ellis joined the Air Force, and has made the Academy a goal since then.

"He's worked very hard, and it's not been easy -- a large number of people apply," Colnel Ellis said. "It's a great accomplishment for Josh to meet his goal. These two friends, Kallyn and Josh, are looking forward to the privilege of attending the Air Force Academy."

Kallyn's aspirations were to attend college and become an officer.

"I knew the Academy was the best way for me to go," she said. "It's a good challenge because it's harder than most colleges and I know I'll really get the most out of my education."

Kallyn also admits the application and selection process was long.

"It was a goal in itself to get through," she said. "But I did and in the end it definitely paid off."

Kallyn said the day she got accepted was an interesting one for her.

"I'm on a block schedule, and I'm in the pool (for swim team) the last hour of the day. My parents showed up at school with the envelope, and I got to open it in front of my whole swim team. I was really excited."

"I am very proud of Kallyn," said Col Wade Johnson, 71st Flying Training Wing vice commander. "She has always been a hard worker and a leader in many high school activities. She adjusted very well when we (moved) to Vance at the beginning of her senior year of high school. I'm also glad that her Mom and I have apparently made the Air Force look like a challenging and rewarding endeavor."

Josh hopes to fly any fighter aircraft, but would really enjoy the F-22. Kallyn wants to become a biologist. They report to the Academy July 1.

For more information on the US Air Force Academy, visit www.usafa.af.mil.