Cadet Major in top 3% of cadets nationwide chooses Polk State for aerospace training

Stella Nawyn graduated high school with an impressive resume and no shortage of options as an aviation enthusiast from South Florida. When choosing her next school, however, it was Polk State College’s Aerospace Program that checked all the boxes.

When Nawyn earned her Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) Cambridge diploma from Cutler Bay High School in May, she left with a weighted grade-point average (GPA) greater than 4.8, more than 400 community service hours and 12 college credits from being dual enrolled at Miami Dade College. An aspiring commercial pilot, Nawyn looked into several institutions, but the 240-mile trek to Polk State aligned best with her goals.

“I did a lot of research and looked for a place where I could get all of my ratings,” Nawyn explained. “Polk State seemed like a great fit. It was affordable and I liked the idea of being on the flight team.”

Nawyn has been flying since she was 15 years old. She’s already earned her private pilot certificate and glider rating. A member of the Polk State Flight Team, Nawyn is pursuing an Associate in Science in Professional Pilot Science. During her first semester at Polk State, Nawyn posted a perfect 4.0 GPA. She recently earned her Instrument Rating.

“It’s such a tight-knit program,” Nawyn said of Polk State. “I love the small classes, getting to know the instructors and getting that specialized attention. Through the program and the flight team, we’ve all become great friends.”

In October, the Polk State Flight Team finished fifth at the regional SAFECON Region IX contest in Lagrange, Ga. Nawyn participated in four events. She and teammate Austin O’Quinn finished eighth in the unlimited navigation event – tying for the second-best finish for the Polk State team across all events.

“For people interested in this program, my advice would be to get connected and get involved,” Nawyn urged. “It’s a great learning experience that helps grow your skills as a pilot.”

Since the age of 14, Nawyn has been a cadet for the Civil Air Patrol, the U.S. Air Force’s auxiliary unit. She currently holds the distinction of cadet major, putting Nawyn in the top 3% of cadets nationwide.

“I’ve always been interested in aerospace,” Nawyn recalled. “I had remote control planes and cars as a kid. When I was introduced to the Civil Air Patrol, I got five free flights with an instructor. That’s when I realized I loved flying.”

As a cadet major in the Civil Air Patrol, Nawyn is scheduled to give lectures later this month in Umatilla to cadet officers about their roles in the unit. A scholarship through the Civil Air Patrol covered the cost of her private pilot certificate. In 2023, she was recognized as the Outstanding Female Cadet by the Civil Air Patrol and Daughters of the American Revolution. A year later, she was named Cadet of the Year for the Florida Wing of the Civil Air Patrol. Nawyn also represented Florida in the International Air Cadet Exchange in the United Kingdom in July.

“Stella has a strong Civil Air Patrol background,” said Maria Jodoin, Manager for Flight Experience at Polk State. “She reached the rank of cadet major that puts her in the top few percent of cadets across the country, and she’s held leadership roles like flight commander, aerospace education officer, safety officer and training officer.

“All of this has given her early hands-on experience with teamwork, safety, communication and real aviation operations, which connects perfectly with what she’s studying in the Professional Pilot program and her position as a competitor on the flight team.”

In addition to the Civil Air Patrol, Nawyn is also a member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics, Women in Aviation, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Experimental Aircraft Association and the Ninety-Nines – a prestigious international organization for women pilots. Her involvement has allowed Nawyn to obtain numerous scholarships, including through the Ninety-Nines. In August, she was one of 526 recipients nationwide to earn a mikeroweWORKS Work Ethic Scholarship, which are awarded by media personality Mike Rowe’s foundation and focuses on workforce readiness.

“I’ve really enjoyed the scholarship opportunities and leadership academies that have come with this,” Nawyn added. “I’ve made great relationships.”

Since Polk State Aerospace launched in 2013, the program has experienced much success, including job placement for its graduates thanks to industry partnerships, valuable study abroad opportunities and authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration to save students thousands of dollars in flight-training hours. Nawyn looks to join a long line of Polk State graduates who have gone on to work as commercial pilots for the likes of SkyWest Airlines, Delta Airlines, American Airlines and more.

“I want to fly a Boeing 747 – that’s always been my dream,” Nawyn concluded. “I want to travel the world. Being a pilot is a great paying job with lots of opportunities.”