Newtown Square Teen Wins Prestigious Civil Air Patrol Award

A Newtown Square teen was recently honored by the Pennsylvania Senate for earning an award from a U.S. Air Force auxiliary after a rigorous, years-long mental and physical program.

Evan Zanolli was presented with a commendation from the Pennsylvania Senate by State Senator Thomas J. McGarrigle for earning the General Billy Mitchell Award from the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), an auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force that provides support for search and rescue and disaster relief missions.

The General Billy Mitchell Award is one of most prestigious CAP cadet honors, equivalent to achieving Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts.

Zanolli, a sophomore honors student at Episcopal Academy, joined CAP Chester County Squadron 1008 as a Cadet Airman Basic in 2014 and progressed through several ranks, each with their own stringent promotion requirements. He is now a Cadet 2nd Lieutenant, the second highest ranking cadet officer in the squadron, a Flight Commander and member of the cadet staff.

Even with school and CAP, Zanolli is working toward earning his pilot's license and aspires to be a fighter pilot with the U.S. Air Force or U.S. Navy.

Senator McGarrigle presented the citation in front of a gathering of 100 fellow CAP Squadron 1008 members and family, commending Zanolli for "exhibiting diligence in the tenacious pursuit of excellence" and for being a "role model worthy of emulation."

"Evan is a standout cadet who has worked hard to earn his achievements. He is forward thinking, self-motivated, coupled with determination and path of success he fully intends to achieve," USAF Brigadier General Bruce Thompson (Ret) said of Zanolli. "He willingly takes on roles that expose him to increasing levels of leadership responsibility and accountability. I have no doubt that Evan will achieve his goals and aspirations."

To earn the award, Zanolli had to pass a rigorous multi-level program over a period of years, culminating in an eight-part comprehensive leadership and aerospace exam, physical fitness test, service activities, and encampment. Cadets are also required to exhibit very mature behavior, to be highly responsible, and to demonstrate active and sustained leadership skills before they can take their exams.

Cadets who earn the Mitchell Award receive advanced placement in the U.S. Air Force as Airman First Class should they enlist. Mitchell awardees are also eligible for advanced ranks in AFROTC and various CAP scholarships and special activity opportunities.

The CAP Cadet program at Chester County Squadron 1008 is open to all middle and high school students interested in aviation, emergency services, and developing leadership skills while serving the community.

Squadron 1008 meets at 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays at the Chester County Intermediate Unit, 455 Boot Road, Downingtown.

For more information, contact Squadron 1008 Commander Major Leslie Herr at leslie.g.herr@gmail.com or visit the program's website here.

Congratulations and good luck to Mr. Zanolli!

Pictured above is Zanolli receiving the Pennsylvania Senate commendation from McGarrigle for earning the Civil Air Patrol Mitchell Award.

Contributed photo