Anoka Resident To Graduate from Navy’s Air Traffic Control School

May is National Military Appreciation Month. As such, it's the perfect time to celebrate the upcoming graduation of Minnesota-native Noelle McNeill (of Anoka) from the Navy’s Air Traffic Control (ATC) school. She'll graduate May 10th at a ceremony in Pensacola, FL. McNeill graduated from boot camp in November 2018.

A June 2018 graduate of Minnesota Connections Academy, a K-12 online public school, McNeill credits the online public school for teaching her independent study habits, which she applied at the difficult Navy school.

“Eighty percent of students are held back at some point in training,” says McNeill. “It takes them longer to complete the program and thus, they graduate later. And, 40% of ATC students here get dropped from ATC training and assigned to a different job. I avoided both,” she says. “I was really prepared for this intense learning environment.” McNeill adds.

McNeill encourages soon-to-be graduates to consider the military as an option for their future. While she says getting another degree is in her future, she notes that the Navy is a great stepping stone for any career path.

“It teaches leadership, respect for others and yourself, comradery, and technical application,” she says. “You also get incredible hands-on opportunities that you may not find elsewhere.” McNeill will be stationed at NAS Point Mugu, CA, and will begin her job after graduation.

National Military Appreciation Month is celebrated every May, a declaration that encourages U.S. citizens to observe the month in a symbol of unity.

Interested in learning about online public school? Enrollment for Minnesota Connections Academy's 2019-20 school year is open. Learn more here.