From a young age, Johnathan Petrosky has always looked to the skies. Fascinated by planes and driven by a dream to become a Navy pilot, he’s spent the past four years at Nimitz High School laying a strong foundation for an ambitious future – and now, that dream is taking flight.
Petrosky is headed to Texas A&M University in College Station this fall, where he’ll major in Aerospace Engineering while also participating in the Navy ROTC program on a prestigious scholarship. Through ROTC, Johnathan will be preparing physically, mentally and academically for his future in the Navy – a future he’s been steadily working toward since childhood.
“I’ve always been fascinated by planes,” he says. “Becoming a pilot in the Navy just made sense. And with aerospace engineering, it’s not just flying. I’m learning how things work behind the scenes, too.”
Johnathan’s decision to attend Texas A&M came after a serendipitous JROTC competition held on campus during his sophomore year. The moment he set foot there, he knew it was home.
“Everyone seemed happy to be there,” says Petrosky. “It just felt right.”
That visit changed the trajectory of his college plans – even leading him to turn down an acceptance to the prestigious U.S. Naval Academy in Maryland.
“Getting accepted to the Naval Academy was a huge honor – one of the biggest accomplishments of my life,” he says. “But choosing Texas A&M means I’ll be closer to family, and I get to be a part of the Aggie Corps of Cadets. That’s really special, too.”
While in high school, Johnathan immersed himself in two main areas: engineering and JROTC. In engineering, he thrived creatively and competitively. He placed third in the state for a solar-powered car competition through the Technology Student Association and reached the national semifinal level in VEX Robotics.
“What I love about engineering is that you have an idea, and then you build it. You make it real,” says Petrosky.
JROTC gave Johnathan something different – structure, camaraderie and purpose.
“It’s like a family. There are people who support you and who you can support in return,” he adds.
It was through his ROTC instructors that he learned about military opportunities and was encouraged to apply for both the Naval Academy and his current ROTC scholarship.
Petrosky credits much of his success to those who believed in him along the way. One of his biggest influences has been his JROTC instructor, Lt. Trevor Smalls.
“He pushed me to pursue the Navy route,” says Petrosky. “He’s a huge reason I got the scholarship and even the Naval Academy acceptance.”
In the classroom, Petrosky found inspiration in his engineering teachers. He says Mr. Dwight Davison, Mr. Phillip Hunt and Mr. Christopher Moore, not only guided him through complex projects but cheered him on as he carved out his future. He also names his English teacher, Mr. Brett Langsather, as someone who’s had a lasting impact.
“Even though he teaches in a different field than what I am pursuing, he gets it,” says Petrosky. “He’s given me life advice that I’ll take with me well beyond high school.”
Outside of school, he names his dad as the most influential person in his life.
“Growing up, he would always motivate me and tell me to make sure that whatever I commit to, to make sure the job is done and that it is done right,” he says. “That has always driven what I should do in life.”
That commitment is clear in everything he’s accomplished — from national competitions to ROTC leadership to securing one of the most competitive scholarships in the country. Petrosky’s long-term goal remains clear: to serve as a pilot in the U.S. Navy. And with his drive, focus and support system, there’s little doubt he’ll get there.
