THE RISING GENERATION "O U T S TA N D I N G A N D E XC E P T I O N A L" fo r va lo r m aga z i n e
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ach fall, US Congressional offices sort through an array of applications from young people looking to secure a nomination to a US Military Academy. An appointment to one of these schools offers up a prestigious, fully-funded education. Many students have been working towards this moment for years; others come later to the process. Each is given an opportunity in an interview to discuss their abilities and talents as they are evaluated. Most applicants have nearly perfect grades; high ACT scores, athletic ability and leadership qualities. n What distinguishes those who receive an appointment? It is the cadet that exhibits self-confidence, yet can handle criticism. It is the cadet that can make splitsecond decisions, yet is always thinking one step ahead. It is the cadet who will serve his or her comrades, yet enable them to build their own character. It is the cadet that fights to win, yet is team-focused. These are the young men and women who will defend our country with valor. n Many other outstanding and exceptional youth can be found throughout our communities exhibiting their willingness to lead, serve, give and excel in their endeavors. They need mentors and counselors, family and friends to reach their potential. In these trying times, give them something to reach for. Rhonda Perkes is a staffer for Congressman Chris Stewart UT-2 and enjoys overseeing the Military Academy nominations process for his office.
Penelope LORENZANA
YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR ACADEMY
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enelope Lorenzana is adventurous and voracious in learning new things. She'll embrace an area of interest and “take it on” until her curiosity is satisfied. With the encouragement and support of her parents, together they research and experiment as much as they can, often enrolling in a specific school or program to access expertise. When Penelope developed an interest in culinary arts, she enrolled at the Park City Culinary Institute and graduated at 11. She wanted to try starting a business so her dad mentored her through the Young Entrepreneur Academy (YEA) where she created a set of knives for young chefs, eventually finishing as second-runner up at nationals at 12. After doing a round of TV appearances on local cooking shows at 13, and the entertainment industry started calling, she chose to focus on “real life” and developed a nutritious noodle soup directed at humanitarian efforts. With aspirations of flying, she joined the Civil Air Patrol and rose to the rank of flight sergeant; but to get her pilot license she must wait until she's 16.
With a five-generation military family legacy backing her, Penelope is set on attending the Air Force Academy in her quest to be a jet fighter pilot. She’s begun fine-tuning her military mentality … “We’ve always encouraged our kids to identify what they’re interested in and we’ll help them head in that direction,” said parents Ian and Heather. “Our end goal is to see our kids happy, successful and enjoy what they do.” PENELOPE LORENZANA’S ADVICE: Always keep exploring, try your best and rely on your family. —BY MICHELLE BRIDGES FOR VALOR
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va l o r : a s a l u t e t o u ta h ’ s v e t e r a n s a n d m i l i ta r y
august
2020
