Search
Close this search box.

Five Okaloosa County JROTC cadets receive scholarships from Air and Space Forces Association

The Air and Space Forces Association Eglin Chapter awarded five scholarships to cadets from Niceville, Choctawhatchee and Fort Walton Beach High Schools during a reception at Eglin Air Force Base.
Photo credit: Keith Clift, Father of Cadet Owen Clift

Five JROTC cadets from Okaloosa County schools received prestigious scholarships from the Air and Space Forces Association (AFA) Eglin Chapter Education Foundation at a special reception Tuesday.

The scholarship awards were presented April 15 at the Air Force Armament Museum at Eglin Air Force Base to cadets representing JROTC programs from three local high schools.

Recipients included:

  • Cadet Penelope AshbyNiceville High School – Maggie Hsu Scholarship
  • Cadet Layth AtrakchiChoctawhatchee High School – Cliff Long, Sr. Leadership Scholarship
  • Cadet Owen Clift, Niceville High School – Jimmy Doolittle Scholarship
  • Cadet Lincoln DooleyNiceville High School – General Bill Kirk Scholarship
  • Cadet Chriscelle PardilloFort Walton Beach High School – Jerry Nabors Memorial Scholarship

“These cadets exemplify the values of leadership, service, and excellence that define our JROTC programs,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “We are incredibly proud of their achievements and thankful to the Air and Space Forces Association Eglin Chapter for investing in their futures.”

Chambers added that the cadets “represent the very best of Okaloosa County, and we know they will go on to do great things.”

The Okaloosa County School District says they remains committed to supporting JROTC programs, which continue to shape the next generation of leaders both in the community and across the nation.

PROMOTION

Join the conversation...

Continue reading 👇

Community Comments

“My humble opinion is that we need the steady logical input from Brett Hinley for Okaloosa school board district 5. He’s a native of Niceville, went to school here and...”
Respond
Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: July 30, 2026
“2:34, 6 attempts”
Respond
“How wonderful it would be if you left it 'old school' - a slice of Old Florida Experience. I'm fearful that what Hgifford says might be the future.”
Respond
“Dr. Diane, I have been on the sidelines of your career for many years . You are an inspiration for women in many careers. Offering you many well wishes for...”
Respond
“I miss Demetriu’s friendly face and lively personality at the Magnolia Clinic. Every time I drive through the intersection where the accident happened I just say a prayer for Demetrius...”
Respond
“I hope the motel will be renovated, but having lived here since 1955, I have seen this before: keep the locals happy by saying renovate. But, in reality, it will...”
Respond
“Demetrius's absence is still deeply felt by the patients of the clinic where he worked for many years.”
Respond
“This was such devastating news the day we lost Demetrius! He was so loved by so many in the community! Gone but never forgotten ! This guy should get life...”
Respond
“Dimitrius was a very loved person by so many citizens of Ft. Walton Beach. He will never be replaced. He is dearly missed by so many.”
Respond

GET OUR FREE LOCAL NEWSLETTER

Get the weekday email that actually makes reading local news enjoyable again.