Double Sixes for High Flying Clarke sisters

She has just been awarded a Royal Air Force 6th Form Scholarship – the year after her sister clinched the same award! The sisters who are members of the Ballymena Squadron of the Air Training Corps are thought to be the first siblings ever to secure the prestigious scholarship in two successive years.

The grant of £1,000 to fund their studies in Year 13 is a big step on the road to a top RAF career – if everything is in order at the end of Year 13, those who have completed their studies successfully will be put forward for a University Air Squadron Bursary or be recruited straight into the RAF.

During sixth form, RAF 6th Form Scholarship students also get the chance to attend a two-week ‘Preparation for Leadership’ course and to check out the careers which could open up to them in the RAF -perhaps an Officer, Non-Commissioned Aircrew, or a Non-Commissioned Air Traffic Controller?

OUTSTANDING

Wing Commander Mike Miskimmon says of the two sisters: “Rachel and Nicola have been outstanding Air Cadets with a string of achievements to their credit. Last year they each earned Distinctions in their BTEC First Diploma in Public Services – a reflection of the high standards and commitment they bring to everything they touch!

“The girls are also keen athletes and have represented their Corps and the Scotland & Northern Ireland Region in Cross Country and Athletics events. They are exemplary Cadets and a credit to their Squadron, Wing and Corps.We are thrilled to see Rachel and Nicola recognised with this fantastic bursary, not least because they are such unassuming girls, always modest despite their successes.

“It was wonderful when Rachel won, but even better to see Nicola follow in her footsteps.” “congratulations go to both!”