Indian River County has yet another reason to celebrate the academic and extracurricular excellence flourishing within its local schools. In a significant achievement for the Sebastian River High School (SRHS) Navy JROTC program, Cadet Ensign Christina Bissonnette has secured a highly competitive national honor that will propel her aviation dreams to new heights.
A National Achievement for Sebastian
Bissonnette has been selected as a recipient of the 2026 Commander, Naval Air Forces Private Pilot Scholarship Program. This is not merely a local accolade; it is an elite national distinction. Bissonnette faced stiff competition, vying against more than 200 Navy and Marine Corps JROTC cadets from across the United States. Ultimately, she was one of only 14 cadets nationwide chosen for this prestigious award.
The scholarship represents a major stepping stone for students pursuing careers in aviation and military service. As a recipient, Bissonnette will participate in an intensive eight-week program scheduled for this summer. The curriculum is rigorous, combining college-level coursework with hands-on flight training.
The comprehensive scholarship covers all associated costs, ensuring Bissonnette can focus entirely on her training. The package includes housing, meals, travel expenses, academic classes, and, crucially, the flight hours required to obtain a private pilot’s license.
Excellence in Academics and Leadership
Bissonnette’s selection for this program highlights her status as a standout student leader in Indian River County. In addition to her aviation success, she was named the “Cadet of the Month” for January by her unit, a recognition presented in partnership with the Indian River Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America. This honor acknowledged her exceptional performance throughout December 2025 and January 2026.
Her statistics at Sebastian River High School paint the picture of a dedicated scholar. Bissonnette currently maintains a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA and ranks ninth in her graduating class of 416 seniors. This balance of academic rigor and disciplined service made her a prime candidate for the Naval Air Forces scholarship.
High Praise from Leadership
The significance of Bissonnette’s work ethic was highlighted by her instructor. Senior Naval Science Instructor Cmdr. Peter Bissonnette, a retired U.S. Navy officer, noted that her success serves as an inspiration for other cadets in the program.
She is an amazing young lady and her perseverance and tenacity are inspiring. We are proud to have her in SRHS NJROTC and I’m excited to see what she chooses to do with her life after high school.
About the SRHS Navy JROTC
The Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) at Sebastian River High School continues to produce high-achieving students who excel in citizenship, academics, and leadership. Bissonnette’s recent triumph serves as a testament to the quality of training and mentorship provided by the unit.
For community members interested in learning more about the program, or for those wishing to get involved in events and volunteering opportunities, the unit encourages direct communication. You can reach out to Cmdr. Peter Bissonnette via email at snsi@srhs.us or by calling 772-564-4413.
