AFA Expands Education Impact Across Northeast Texas Through Local Engagement

AFA’s Northeast Texas Chapter 416 (NETXAFA) continues to strengthen its presence across the region by empowering members, supporting educators, and expanding access to AFA and Civil Air Patrol (CAP) resources. Through scholarships, school partnerships, and a growing community‑based AFA model, NETXAFA is demonstrating how local engagement can drive national‑level impact.

Union Grove Counselor Helps Students Access AFA Opportunities

More than five years ago, Union Grove ISD Counselor Jennifer Applegate discovered the NETXAFA Essay Contest and immediately recognized its value for her students. Since then, she has become a strong education partner—encouraging students to apply for scholarships that match their goals and abilities.

Three Union Grove students have earned NETXAFA scholarships valued at $500 or more, including this year’s recipient, Hope “Mallorie” Cannon.

Mallorie, a 2026 Union Grove graduate, received a $500 scholarship presented by chapter member Don Tharp during Senior Awards Night. Her name was called 11 times for various scholarships—an impressive testament to her academic and extracurricular excellence.

A standout student‑athlete and campus leader, Mallorie served as Student Council Secretary, earned the President’s Academic Award, captained both the volleyball and basketball teams, and held leadership roles in FFA. She plans to attend University of Texas in Tyler to pursue a career in Nursing.

“She is an impressive person, and we are sure she will go on to make a difference for the patients she cares for,” said Tharp.

Community‑Based AFA: Expanding the Mission Beyond Greenville

NETXAFA is intentionally extending its reach far beyond its Greenville home base. When Vice President for Membership Carlos Hernandez began personally welcoming new members by email, it sparked a connection with Don Tharp—who asked how he could help.

That simple question from a member 90 miles away from Greenville, Texas, continued to bolster a new chapter initiative: Community-Based AFA.

Chapter Secretary Chad Chaffee and Treasurer Vance Clarke coordinated with Tharp to visit CAP squadrons in Longview and Tyler and explore opportunities for local engagement. He’s become a key partner—attending virtual meetings, supporting local CAP units, and representing AFA in his community.

In fact, Tharp lives just four miles from Union Grove High School. After connecting with Counselor Applegate, he arranged to present Mallorie’s scholarship in person—giving AFA visibility among students, families, and educators.

This is the essence of Community‑Based AFA: empowering members to bring AFA programs, resources, and opportunities into their own communities.

A Model for Local Engagement

To help members introduce AFA programs in new areas, NETXAFA provides a message outlining the opportunities available through AFA and CAP. These include AFA’s STEM programs like CyberPatriot and StellarXplorers; free educational resources for teachers; AFA- and chapter‑level scholarships and grants; Teacher of the Year awards valued at $750–$1,000; local CAP units seeking senior leadership support; and AFA AIMS (Advocate to Inspire Military Service) partnerships with area recruiters.

The chapter emphasizes that communities benefit when educators, business leaders, and volunteers work together to support STEM education and inspire future Air and Space professionals.

Tharp is not alone. NETXAFA is developing similar partnerships with Pat Heidelman in Sulphur Springs, and is seeking members and educators in Commerce, Hughes Springs, Linden, Lone Oak, Rockwall, and Simms, Texas—all 15-130 miles from Greenville. These efforts demonstrate that distance is not a barrier when members are empowered to lead locally.

A Call to Action for AFA Chapters Nationwide

NETXAFA encourages other chapters to adopt a similar approach: Reach out to members, wherever they are. Equip them with resources. Empower them to engage locally.

AFA’s resources provide powerful tools for community impact. When members share these opportunities with schools and partners, they strengthen AFA’s mission and help build the next generation of STEM‑ready, service‑minded leaders.