Jordan Bolster planning for his future in flight

Jordan Bolster has a firm handshake and looks you straight in the eye – good qualities for someone who aspires to wear a uniform. He is a member of the Civil Air Patrol and plans on entering the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs after he graduates from high school.

“My goals keep me in line. … getting in trouble doesn’t look good on a resume,” he said.

What does look good on a resume is Bolster’s involvement in leadership activities including youth group, varsity soccer and his ranking of cadet second lieutenant in the Civil Air Patrol. Last year, he earned the title of Cadet Officer of the Year for his squadron.

Bolster, 17, is a junior at East Valley High School. He maintains a high grade-point average and keeps his eye on the prize. “Having his eye on the prize past high school has helped him a lot,” said his father Kevin Bolster.

Bolster considers high school fleeting and trivial. “What matters is if you’re happy afterward,” he said. Bolster is a running start student at Spokane Community College. He says it’s giving him an idea of what college will be like.

Bolster has always wanted to be a pilot. This summer he will move yet another step closer to his dream by attending the National Flight Academy in Oklahoma.

His grandmother, Amaryllis Bolster has no doubt that he’ll succeed. “Jordan has the energy and intention to serve and be of value to the world,” she said.

His inspirations include God, family, friends and our “brave and selfless soldiers.” Bolster considers excelling in life to be his biggest job right now, and he suggests to others, “Do what you can with what God gave you.”