Cadets Pick from Multiple Academy Appointments; Squadron Sees 3 Off to Colorado Springs

An Arizona Wing cadet is attending the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy after choosing that destination over the other four service academies for which he received appointments.

In addition, cadets from the Minnesota and Missouri wings both decided on the U.S. Air Force Academy after receiving appointments not only to the Colorado Springs institution but also to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the U.S. Naval Academy.

And the North Carolina Wing’s Apex Cadet Squadron can claim three cadets who accepted their appointments to the Air Force Academy.

Cadet 2nd Lt. Nathan Whitworth of the Arizona Wing’s Cochise Composite Squadron 107 attributed his choice of the Merchant Marine Academy to two major factors — the opportunity to compete as a collegiate baseball player and the broad pathway the academy offers toward becoming a pilot.

Whitworth received appointments to all five U.S. service academies — a rare and impressive achievement that reflects years of dedication, leadership, and service.

The cadet joined Civil Air Patrol in December 2018 and has since built an outstanding cadet career, including nearly three years as cadet commander. His interest in the military began early — he set his sights on a service academy at just 8 years old.

“Since I was a kid, I knew I wanted to serve,” Whitworth said. “CAP gave me the foundation to turn that dream into a reality.”

“I’ve always been passionate about aviation,” Whitworth added, and the academy “allows me to pursue both baseball and my ultimate goal of flying, which made it the perfect fit.”

Civil Air Patrol played a central role in his academy journey. Through years of leadership experience, Whitworth gained first-hand knowledge of managing teams, building morale, and mentoring younger cadets — all qualities that helped him stand out during the rigorous service academy application process.

“CAP has taught me the meaning of service, the value of discipline, and how to lead under pressure,” he said. “Those lessons were key in earning my appointments.”

In addition to his time as cadet commander, Whitworth held various leadership positions and participated in numerous CAP activities that developed his character and leadership abilities. Whether training cadets, leading during encampments, or working through complex team dynamics, he consistently practiced the core values of Civil Air Patrol.

Looking ahead, Whitworth plans to major in marine engineering systems and is eager to begin his journey at the academy. While his future may include time in the air as a pilot, he also looks forward to continuing to serve as a leader.

“My time in CAP shaped who I am today,” Whitworth said. “It prepared me for this next chapter, and I’ll always carry those lessons with me.”

Cadet Maj. Layla Cranston of the Missouri Wing’s Lee’s Summit Composite Squadron began her Civil Air Patrol career in the Kansas Wing’s Heartland Cadet Squadron in October 2020 and transferred to the Lee’s Summit squadron in November 2021. She has participated in four National Cadet Special Activities, including the Civic Leadership Academy in Washington, D.C., and the Canadian Advanced Aviation Course. 

Closer to home, she served as her squadron’s cadet commander for one year and was selected as Missouri Wing Junior Cadet Officer of the Year for 2023 and Cadet of the Year for 2024. She has a heart for teaching other cadets and uses her own experiences to serve others. She has also earned her private pilot’s certificate with plans to pursue her instrument rating.

“Layla is a truly exceptional person. I expect that the knowledge and hands-on leadership and aviation experience she has gained through her CAP cadet career is going to be an asset to her future as a USAFA cadet,” said Capt. Victoria Van Horn, Lee’s Summit commander.

Like Cranston, Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Cheyenne Nyholm of the Minnesota Wing’s St. Cloud Composite Squadron received appointments to West Point and the Air Force and Naval academies. 

And like her Missouri Wing counterpart, she chose to attend the Air Force Academy.  

Nyholm joined CAP in April 2019. Her membership includes nearly four years in the Hutchinson Composite Squadron between stints in the St. Cloud squadron. 

At Litchfield High School she participated in hockey, track, trap, swimming, marching band, and figure skating.

The three Apex Cadet Squadron cadets accepting Air Force Academy appointments are:

Witte was the 2024 2024 North Carolina Wing Cadet of the Year. She is a Cadet Wings graduate and earned her private pilot certificate with ratings for both airplanes and gliders. She joined CAP in May 2020.

An Eagle Scout and a licensed emergency medical technician, Witte played multiple sports, including ice hockey, varsity lacrosse, and varsity golf at Apex High School.

Bressler, 2024 Apex Cadet Squadron Cadet of the Year and a CAP member since March 2023, most recently served as cadet deputy commander and also helped revitalize the squadron’s color guard program.

A summa cum laude graduate of Middle Creek High School in Apex, he participated in  multiple sports, including varsity track, and competed on his community’s swim team.

Stinson credits an orientation flight and his wing encampment experience with sparking his interest in aviation and the Air Force.

An Eagle Scout, as a student at Neuse Christian Academy in Raleigh he belonged to the National Honor Society and the math team and also was a five-year varsity starter in baseball and two-year varsity letter winner in cross country.

The trio were the third, fourth, and fifth Apex cadets to accept Air Force Academy appointments in the last five years, joining Cadet Senior Airman Michael Fays of the Class of 2026 and Cadet Lt. Col. Will Witte of the Class of 2027.

Cadets joining Whitworth, Branston, and Nyholm in receiving multiple service academy appointments include:

In addition, two Maine Wing cadets accepted appointments to the U.S. Naval Academy and a third did so for West Point: