Southeastern Senior Accepted to U.S. Air Force Aim High Flight Academy

SOUTH EASTON — Southeastern senior Eric Barbosa Semedo will participate in an introductory flight training program this summer as part of the Air Force Aim High Flight Academy. 

The U.S. Air Force Aim High Flight Academy (AHFA) is an aviation scholarship for a three-week introductory flight program at various colleges and universities across the country.

Semedo will attend the program through the University of North Dakota Aerospace Foundation in Mesa, Arizona, from June 26 to July 16. Semedo will receive 15 hours of flight training at no cost from UND’s instructors and the opportunity to complete his first solo flight, while learning about the path to becoming an Air Force rated officer. 

Students will experience first class university Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) authorized flight, ground and simulator training curriculum. The partnering university will provide FAA curriculum and in-the-seat aircraft practical experiences.

Semedo first learned about the AHFA when Air Force Maj. Gen. Jeannie M. Leavitt visited Southeastern and spoke to students last fall, and worked diligently to meet the requirements for acceptance.

Semedo, of Brockton, is a senior in the Machine Tech vocational program. He is OSHA 10 certified and participates in a co-op education placement at AccuRounds, a machining manufacturer in Avon. He has manufactured numerous pieces for clients, including office signs for Southeastern staff and custom parts for the school’s Performing Arts Center. He also assisted with the 2021-2022 project to revamp a bus to be used as a mobile learning lab by the MassHire Greater Brockton Workforce Board.

Semedo has competed in SkillsUSA competitions and is a member of the National Honor Society. He is a student ambassador and volunteered to assist with Portuguese and Cape Verdean Creole translations at a Southeastern open house event. He is a member of the boys varsity soccer team and has been an assistant martial arts instructor for the past three years.

Staff members describe Semedo as a positive, involved and dedicated member of the school community who asks thoughtful questions in class and works hard to achieve his goals. 

“Eric always makes the most of his academic and vocational experiences,” said Principal Leslie Weckesser. “This is an excellent opportunity for Eric to grow and pursue his interests, and we are very proud of his success.”

Semedo plans to attend Norwich University in the fall, where he has received numerous scholarships to pursue a degree in criminal justice. After college, Semedo hopes to either start his military career or become a police officer.

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