HOWELL — John Runyan joined the Howell High School Air Force Junior ROTC as a freshman because he was a shy student who sought more discipline and dreamed of becoming a leader. Four years later, he’s earned a full-ride college scholarship.
The senior will receive the J-100 AFJROTC Character-in-Leadership Scholarship. Awarded annually to just 100 cadets nationwide, the scholarship is a four-year, full-ride plus an annual allowance for housing and books. The program focuses on leadership, citizenship and diversity and seeks to inspire future leaders to seek careers within the U.S. Air Force and Space Force.
Runyan is still deciding where to attend, with Ohio State University and Bowling Green University among the possibilities. He can enroll in any four-year university with an ROTC program on campus. Wherever he goes, Runyan plans to major in aviation. He’s already logged about 15 hours the past few months, while taking flight and ground lessons at Crosswinds Aviation in Howell.
Runyan is required to fly a minimum of 40 hours to earn his private pilot certificate, but he plans to fly at least 60 hours before college.