At just 15 years old, Apollo High School student Kassi Hirt has already proven she’s a leader in the making — both in and out of uniform.
The incoming junior was recently selected to attend the prestigious Four-Star Leadership Program with General Tommy Franks in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The highly competitive, all-expenses-paid program accepts roughly 75 students nationwide each year. Hirt was one of only three rising juniors selected, a fact she’s proud of after initially being waitlisted.
“I did not get accepted the first time,” she said. “But they called me again and asked if I was still available. It has been tough with my age, trying to find opportunities that fit. A lot of them, you have to be 16 or older.”
That mindset — one focused on determination and growth — has carried Hirt through two years of success in the Air Force Junior ROTC program at Apollo, where she now holds the rank of Cadet Major. She serves as Vice Corps Commander and participates in nearly every team and leadership role the program offers, including Kitty Hawk Air Society, drill team, marksmanship, academic bowl, and more.
“I’m also running for Corps Commander this year, which is over the whole unit,” she said. “I’ve been the top female shooter in both archery and marksmanship, and I’m constantly working to better myself every day, both in ROTC and academically. I want to get all A’s and hopefully become an honor student who can speak at graduation.”
Hirt said her interest in the military started early, influenced in part by her family. A few cousins are currently serving, and her grandfather is a retired Army veteran. When Junior ROTC representatives visited her school during her freshman year, she decided to give it a shot.
“At the time, I knew I wanted to be in the military, but I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do,” she said. “ROTC opened up opportunities for me to explore the different paths to serve.”
That decision, she said, has only confirmed her passion.
“I’ve learned so much, especially self-discipline and how to be a leader,” she said. “It’s helped me understand how to deal with different personalities, how to act under pressure. It’s definitely a challenge, but I’ve never felt like joining JROTC was a mistake.”
Her aspirations are sky-high — literally. Hirt hopes to attend the United States Air Force Academy and become a fighter pilot. She’s already started flight training, logging 10 hours of instructional time and working through online ground school as part of the Young Eagles program based in Hancock County
While becoming a fighter pilot was once a male-dominated ambition, Kassi said the opportunities are much more equitable today.
“There have been more female pilots now than in past years,” she said. “If you get accepted into a college or a flight academy, it’s not based on gender. It’s about your dedication and performance.”
The Four-Star Leadership Program, where Hhirt spent a week this summer, was a turning point in her development. The experience brought together high-achieving students from across the globe — not just those in JROTC, but aspiring politicians, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.
“There were people from Jordan, Dubai, all over,” she said. “We had to learn how to build an effective team with people we’d never met before. It taught me how to compose myself under tough situations and how to work with different types of leaders. I definitely brought those skills back to Apollo.”
The program emphasizes the “four stars” of leadership — Character, Common Vision, Communication, and Caring — values that align with what Hirt tries to embody every day.
Hirt knows the path ahead won’t be easy. Admission into the Air Force Academy is one of the most rigorous processes in the country, and she’ll need to keep her grades, physical fitness, and leadership development at the highest level.
“It’s definitely not for the weak,” she said. “You have to do a lot of physical, mental, and academic training — usually starting your freshman year of high school. I’ve been preparing since then.”
But with her drive and a resume already packed with leadership experience, Hirt is well on her way to making that dream a reality.
“I really want to serve my country and challenge myself,” she said. “I want to fight for something I’m passionate about. And this is it.”
