KINGSPORT, TENN. – Two Dobyns-Bennett High School seniors, Nathan Browning and Taylor Davis, have received official appointment letters to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, one of the nation's most prestigious military service academies. Nathan is the son of Jerry and Christine Browning and Taylor is the daughter of Kelly Davis. Both are members of the Dobyns-Bennett Air Force JROTC program and have served as squadron commanders during their tenure. 

 

The appointments place Browning and Davis among a select group of students nationwide who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance, leadership, physical fitness, patience, and a deep commitment to serving their country. The application process includes formal interviews, medical examinations, and a nomination from a member of Congress or a service-related organization such as JROTC. Fewer than 1,200 applicants are accepted into the Academy each year from more than 10,000 applications. Each appointment equates to a four-year, full-tuition scholarship covering all academic and associated costs, worth approximately $600,000. 

 

“On behalf of the Dobyns-Bennett High School staff, I extend our congratulations to Taylor and Nathan on their prestigious appointments to the United States Air Force Academy,” said Dobyns-Bennett High School Principal Dr. Brian Tate. “Having two students from the same school receive such an honor is both rare and remarkable. Their dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence have earned them this incredible opportunity. We are proud of their accomplishments and look forward to watching them soar as they serve our nation - Aim High!”

 

The United States Air Force Academy offers a rigorous four-year program designed to develop leaders of character for the U.S. Air Force and Space Force. While at the Academy, students take part in a wide variety of programs, including flight training, free-fall parachuting, competitive athletics, military training, and foreign exchange opportunities. Graduates from the Academy will earn a Bachelor of Science degree in one of 31 majors which include engineering, science, social  sciences, and humanities, and a commission as an officer in the United States Air or Space Force. 

 

Browning and Davis will report to the Academy in late June to begin Basic Cadet Training before starting their first academic semester in the fall.

 

Since its establishment in 2006, the Dobyns-Bennett AF JROTC program has engaged more than 19,000 students, many of whom have gone on to serve in the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, or attend prestigious institutions such as the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. For more information on the program, contact Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Kevin Ramsey at [email protected] or Chief Master Sergeant Melanie Blankenship at [email protected]. 

 

For more information on the United States Air Force Academy, please visit www.usafa.edu. 

 

Kingsport City Schools (KCS) is a student-focused, world-class public school district located in Kingsport, Tennessee, proudly serving students across Sullivan and Hawkins counties. The district comprises 13 schools, including a Pre-K facility, eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, a high school program of choice, and an alternative learning program. With a total enrollment exceeding 7,600 students, KCS is dedicated to fostering educational excellence, empowering student success, and ensuring all students are college and career ready. To learn more, visit www.k12k.com, tune in to WCSK 90.3 FM, The Voice of KCS, or contact the KCS Administrative Support Center at (423) 378.2100. Stay connected by following us on Facebook (@kcsdistrict), Instagram (@kcs__district), and YouTube (@kcs__district). 

 

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