Bound for glory

Two Lakeland seniors appointed to U.S. Air Force Academy

Two Lakeland High School seniors have been appointed to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.

Erika Gallus, 17, of Rathdrum, and Rhonin Edwards, 18, of Hayden, will leave for the academy in mid-June. They are scheduled to start Basic Cadet Training on June 25.

“Obviously, being appointed to a military academy speaks to their character and their capacity to perform well in the classroom, but also about their willingness to serve their country,” said Lakeland Principal Trent Derrick.

Erika intends to major in mechanical engineering. Rhonin plans to study aeronautical engineering and to continue as an Air Force officer after graduation. Both have dreams of becoming pilots.