Berkeley County School District and Cane Bay High is excited to recognize AFJROTC Cadet Ryder Livingston for being appointed to the United States Air Force Academy.
He is the first senior to be accepted to the academy in Cane Bay High’s 18-year history.
Livingston is the Cadet Wing Commander in his school’s program; this is the highest-ranking cadet leader, typically at a United States AFA or AFJROTC detachment.
Livingston learned in February that he was accepted into the Academy. At the time, he was in “limbo” because he was waiting on an official answer as to whether or not he had been accepted. He had just received a Letter of Assurance from Senator Lindsey Graham’s office; this is a conditional, pre-appointment letter indicating the Academy intends to offer admission as long as all other qualifications are met.
Livingston was actually at school, participating in a meeting with some of his fellow cadets, when he received a call from the senator’s office, letting him know that his acceptance letter should be in his inbox on Feb. 14.
“That is one of the highest points of my life,” Livingston said. “I was through the roof. It had been a goal for so long…it felt like that capstone on top of everything. I’m finally going where I’ve been wanting to go.”
Livingston got his first taste of ROTC life when he was living in Okinawa, Japan, as his stepfather was in the Marine Corps. He ending up falling in love with the idea of a career in the Air Force and saw JROTC as a good pathway for him in high school.
When he came in Cane Bay, he knew he wanted to apply to the Air Force Academy – but there were a lot of trials and tribulations to get there. The United States Air Force Academy is one of the most competitive schools in the nation. Applicants must meet high academic, physical, character and medical standards to be eligible for an appointment. Among some of the qualifications, the Academy looks at exceptional class ranks, GPAs and college admission test results. The Academy also seeks individuals with high moral character. There are multiple deadlines students must meet throughout the application process.
Applying for the Academy was a grueling year-long journey for Livingston, during which he received three Congressional Nominations along with the Letter of Assurance from Lindsey Graham.
“Overall, it was an amazing experience,” he said. “I’m so glad I have the opportunity to go to the Air Force Academy, especially after putting all that hard work into it.”
Maj USAF (Ret) Christopher D. Perham, Cane Bay High’s senior aerospace science instructor, said Livingston made an instant impression when he transferred to Cane Bay’s unit from Japan, and his acceptance into the Academy is well-earned.
“He has certainly worked hard for – and deserves – his appointment to the United States Air Force Academy,” Perham said. “He has left a lasting impact on our Air Force JROTC Unit and Cane Bay High School."
Livingston is a very accomplished student at Cane Bay High. He was highlighted last summer when he was named the Region 3, Sub-region 3 Cadet of the Year. He was also one of out 100 students selected out of 5,000 applicants for the General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and was recently named CTE Industry Student of the Month for Cane Bay High back in March.
Livingston said the great thing about his school’s AFJORTC program is that it gives all of its cadets the opportunity to lead in some capacity.
“I feel like that is what I’ve gained from it,” he said. “I would have not have gotten this experience anywhere else.”
This year in particular has been a very eventful one for the cadets, one that has made Livingston proud to have been a part of the program. A lengthy list of accolades and achievements has resulted in the school yet again earning the state's Sword of Excellence award (READ FULL STORY).
“I’m incredibly proud of all those cadets,” he said. “At the end of the day, without them, none of those accomplishments would be on that list.”
His goal is to achieve a Master’s Degree in aeronautical engineering. He is looking into being a pilot in the Air Force, but is trying to keep his options open as far as what kind of plane he would like to fly. Once he retires, he would like to either work at Boeing or Lockheed Martin within their phantom works departments, working on special military contracts.
Livingston thanked his mom, Leanne Young, as well as all of his AFJROTC instructors over the years. He also thanked his stepfather, Troy Young, for showing him that side of the military and “sparking that interest.”