Kate Midel is a 2016 graduate of Cienega High School where she completed all four years of the NJROTC program. She is now attending aviation school in Pensacola, Florida after having earned her degree in engineering management from UA. Her long term goal is to serve in the Navy as an aviator for at least the full twenty years.
Her love for the Navy and sense of duty to this nation runs deep. Kate is from the Philippines. When she came to Vail, the language was really hard. She naturally went into quiet mode. But, she’d learned that it is never good to be comfortable, so after researching the NJROTC program and seeing the public speaking component, she went for it. She knew that she had to get past her challenges, and NJROTC is where she says she did it. She’d also learned about the clubs, workouts, after school programs, and the annual ball - all things that excited her!
And, Kate credits the NJROTC program with helping her make it through college. She was awarded a full ROTC scholarship because of her academic achievement and leadership in the unit in Vail. Kate’s advice to current students is, “Challenge yourself. Take advantage of the opportunities to be uncomfortable so you can learn and really see your potential. It helps when you are around people who are positive, like the people in NJROTC in Vail.”
Way to represent Vail, Kate! We are so proud of you and wish you the best of luck!