Bethel High School senior, Lillian Lord, is heading to the Air Force Academy. Lillian has been involved with Bethel’s AFJROTC for the past year and a half and for the majority of that time, she was working on getting into the Academy. “It’s been almost a year since I started. It is a long application process,” she said.

It’s a process that requires a nomination from someone like a State Senator. “If anybody deserves to go to the academy, it’s Lillian,” said Cheri Williams, casework director for Senator Maria Cantwell, during a presentation at Bethel High School. “Individuals like you are very rare. I’m so proud of you. Every accomplishment that you’ve had has come from within. Everything that you’ve done, you’ve done on your own. I’m proud that you will be representing our government.”

Williams said that the Air Force Academy is a great source of education and pride for students who can make the cut. “Over the years I’ve had many, many people come back and talk to me about their experiences and how it changed their lives.”

Once Lillian had all of the requirements met, her application went before a board that represents the various military academies, from the Air Force Academy to West Point. Sam Mack, the State academy coordinator for Senator Cantwell said there was some friendly rivalry over who would get to accept Lillian into their school. “Your application was the most impressive application that I’ve ever seen,” he said.

But Lord only had eyes for the Air Force, and was given a full scholarship. Mack said he’s sees a bright future ahead of her, “I am so proud that not only will you represent the State of Washington at the academy, but that you represent Senator Cantwell’s office. My military experience tells me, that one day I will have the opportunity to come to you and give you a salute and say, ‘Yes, Ma’am, General.”

BHS principal Cliff Anderson was in agreement. He told Lillian, “You represent the best of the best of what we try and portray here at Bethel High School. You’ve left a mark that will be here forever.”

Lillian will head to the Air Force Academy’s Basic Cadet Training after graduation to begin her career. Over the next four years at the Academy she plans to focus her studies and pursue a career in intelligence.