Bo Jackson once said, “Set your goals high and don’t stop till you get there.”

That’s a true statement for one Straughn High School senior, who will leave Alabama at the end of June to report to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.

C.J. Philpott was nominated by U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby in February for a slot at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

He was one of 35 nominated from across the state. Nine students ultimately were selected for the military academies, including Philpott.

“I chose the Academy because I have dreamed of flying since I was little,” he said. “As I grew older, I concluded that I wanted to serve my country while doing so.”

Philpott said he did research and that a service academy was his best shot to reach his goals – specifically the Air Force Academy.

“There are other paths I could have taken, but the Academy is the most prestigious, so I knew I had to apply,” he said. “I worked hard my entire high school career to be competitive, and I had tremendous support from family, friends and community.”

Philpott said it was a blessing and honor to have been appointed to go to the Air Force Academy.

“I go with the goal of becoming a pilot for our nation’s Air Force,” he said. “I do plan on making the military my career, and as far as becoming an officer, I will become one upon graduating from the Air Force Academy.”

“Our service academies are some of the most distinguished institutions in the world,” said Rep. Martha Roby. “Appointments are highly sought after and require high academic, character and leadership standards.”

Those who are appointed are required to serve in the military a minimum of five years upon graduation.

Philpott is the son of Karen Sue and Luke Francis Philpott.