Just weeks after her graduation from Baldwin High School, Ayesha Pladera will report this month to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., where she will be a member of the Class of 2014.
Pladera, 18, accepted the appointment to the select four-year institution after receiving congressional nominations from both Sen. Daniel Akaka and Rep. Mazie Hirono.
"I feel very honored and fortunate for the opportunity to attend the Air Force Academy," Pladera said. "I am also very grateful for the people who helped get me to where I am today, and I will do my absolute best to excel and succeed in the challenges that lie ahead of me."
Only about 1,500 of about 10,000 applicants annually are awarded an appointment to the Air Force Academy. Candidates for admission are judged on their academic and athletic achievements, demonstrated leadership ability and character. To gain admission, candidates also must pass a fitness test, undergo a thorough medical examination and be personally recommended for the position, usually by a member of Congress from their home district.
Pladera is a member of the Civil Air Patrol's Maui Composite Squadron at Kahului Airport where she holds the rank of master sergeant. A cadet in the Maui Squadron since she was 15 years old, she credits the CAP Cadet Program with teaching her about aircraft and flying through aerospace-education classes and hands-on orientation flight experiences. She also learned search-and-rescue techniques and radio-communication skills, performed many community-service projects and began developing leadership skills.
"We are proud that Ayesha got the appointment to the academy," said Maui CAP Squadron Commander Lt. Col. Randal Leval. "She has been an outstanding CAP cadet, and I am confident she will do well."
Pladera began exploring the possibility of attending the Air Force Academy when she was a sophomore and was considering becoming a pilot.
While her goals have changed, "I know the academy is a great place to go to, and I'll be able to serve my country," she said.
Pladera, who reports to the academy June 24, plans to major in behavioral sciences.
While taking Advanced Placement chemistry and English classes at Baldwin, Pladera also found time to participate in cross country, track and field and soccer. She participates in the Excel Soccer Club, and is a youth soccer referee and volunteer soccer coach.
She is the daughter of Jeraul and Elithe Pladera of Kahului.
