Students at North Side High School in Fort Worth, Texas were inspired during a recent assembly, facilitated by DistrictWON, led by a U.S. Air Force representative. Meeting with groups across female athletics, JROTC, AVID, and PE, the presentation opened students’ eyes to the wide range of opportunities the Air Force can offer.

Athletic Coordinator Christopher Lunsford said the assembly offered students a much broader understanding of what the Air Force can provide.

“The students learned about multiple opportunities for them to be able to attend college and serve in the Air Force,” he explained. “They learned that there are many different pathways they can take while serving.”

Many students walked away surprised by the diversity of careers available.

For Lunsford, programs like this are essential to preparing students for life after high school.

“If the students don’t know that a career path even exists, how would they ever begin to work toward it?” he said. He believes that showing students the full range of future possibilities is “one of the most important things we can do in our schools.”

Lunsford has seen the benefits of military service firsthand through his brother, who served a decade in the Air Force.

“He now has a college degree that the Air Force helped pay for… he has VA health benefits, and he has memories of multiple places around the world where he lived,” he shared.

When students express doubts about joining, Lunsford encourages them to explore the option fully.

“I encourage them to join the Air Force,” he said. “I absolutely encourage them to do research and talk to multiple people who have military experience prior to making a final decision.”

The assembly presenter, 2d Lt Jennifer Moreno, serves as an Admissions Advisor for the Air Force Academy and is a proud graduate of the Class of 2025. Inspired by her mother’s service, she chose the Air Force to serve her country while earning her degree.

“I have been able to grow, lead, and challenge myself in ways I never imagined,” Moreno said, describing experiences from leading hundreds to jumping solo from an aircraft.

She noted that many young people still misunderstand military service.

“There’s often a perception that service only involves being ‘boots on the ground,’ but that is far from the full picture,” she explained. She highlighted roles in engineering, medicine, cyber, law, and more.

Moreno emphasized that sports also help prepare students for success through teamwork, discipline, and resilience.

For those unsure about joining, her message was clear:

“The only way to truly know if it’s right for you is to try. Don’t let fear or uncertainty hold you back.”