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Yacavone headed for pilot training in Oklahoma

Reminder Publications submitted photo
By Courtney Llewellyn

Reminder Assistant Editor



WILBRAHAM Nina Yacovone, a Minnechaug Regional High School graduate of 2003, recently graduated from the Air Force Academy (AFA) in Colorado Springs, Colo. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Behavorial Sciences and will soon be attending pilot training at the Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma.

She also graduated third in her pilot training class of 182 at the Academy.

"I've had a fascination with flying since I was very young," Yacovone said. "I knew I wanted to be a pilot, but I wasn't sure what route I was going to take to get there until I heard about the Air Force Academy. I worked throughout high school to get into the Academy by excelling academically, playing sports and serving the community."

A nomination is required for an appointment to the AFA. Yacovone received nominations from three sources Senators Kerry and Kennedy, as well as Congressman Richard Neal. She accepted Neal's appointment.

"Congressman Neal's office was wonderful to work with. I am extremely grateful for Congressman Neal and his aide Jeanne Ahern for their support through my time at the Academy," Yacovone said.

0In addition to her degree and her completion of the flight training program, Yacovone was also elected to the Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges list.

"I graduated in the top 15 percent of my class, which is significant because the Academy is recognized as one of the nation's most challenging academic institutions," she added. "This gives me preference to attend graduate school through the Air Force Institute of Technology, an opportunity I definitely plan to pursue. Although I am going to be a pilot, further education is extremely important to me and I plan on getting my masters degree in the near future."

Yacovone was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force on June 30.

"I don't know if I will stay in the Air Force for 20 years, but I definitely plan on making a career out of flying," she said.