POINT LOOKOUT, MO — Abigael Nievar, School of the Ozarks junior traveled to Washington D.C. in March to attend a National Legislative Day trip with the Missouri Wing Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program. She was one of four selected cadets to attend the all-expenses paid trip.

The Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program aims to introduce young students to patriotic service through aviation. The program is open to ages 12 – 21 and is comprised of a 16-step course that includes topics like aerospace education, leadership training, physical fitness, and character development. Cadets are invited to compete for scholarships within the program for further study in fields such as engineering, science, aircraft mechanics, aerospace medicine, and meteorology. Students compete in a variety of different local, state, regional, and national activities.

On the National Legislative Day trip, Abigael had the opportunity to meet with Missouri senators and representatives, tour Washington D.C. and the Pentagon, and participated in placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, an honor only few are given. The purpose of the trip is to present and advocate for the mission and vision of the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program to lawmakers in Washington D.C.

Abigael was a member of the Civil Air Patrol’s cadet competition team that placed first in the Missouri Wing Cadet Competition and the North Central Region. Her team also placed 10th in the National Cadet Competition for 2023. Nievar was named 2023 Missouri State Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA) Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year. She was also named 2023 Veteran of Foreign Wars Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year and participated in an all-female color guard with the Women in Aerospace Panel at the Space Museum in Bonne Terre, Missouri.

School of the Ozarks’ Patriotic Pillar

Abigael is a shining demonstration of School of the Ozark’s Patriotic Pillar, which is to encourage an understanding of American heritage, the value and responsibility of living in a country that has a constitution, a love of country and a willingness to defend it. Nievar hopes to serve in the military in the future, and plans on applying for the College of the Ozarks Military Science Program. This desire was fueled by her education at School of the Ozarks and the School’s mission to cultivate patriotism in students.

“School of the Ozarks seeks to train students to be citizens of Christlike character who are well educated, hardworking, and patriotic,” said Dr. Brad Dolloff, dean of School of the Ozarks. “It is a joy to see students like Abigael Nievar who love their country and are willing to serve in organizations like Civil Air Patrol. We are proud of Abigael and the outstanding honors she has achieved through Civil Air Patrol.”

Sharie Nievar, Abigael’s mother, reflects on the value of the School of the Ozarks Patriotic Pillar in students’ education.

“Patriotism is not only taught at School of the Ozarks but lived,” Nievar said. “Each of the staff members and teachers incorporate patriotism into the daily activities and Abie desires to continue her school career at College of the Ozarks, in the Military Science program, because of their influence. We are truly blessed.”

The above press release is from College of the Ozarks.