For the Reporter

Local Civil Air Patrol (CAP) cadet, 16-year-old Michael Zendejas, was recently selected as one of only 24 cadets nationwide to attend a weeklong Civic Leadership Academy (CLA) in Washington, D.C.

Zendejas, a homeschooled sophomore at Auburn Mountainview High School who also plays football and baseball, is a cadet first lieutenant in Washington Wing’s CAP.

The process to attend CLA is competitive. Once accepted, the process is challenging and includes six weeks of intensive homework that must be completed prior to attending the academy. Only 19 CAP Wings were represented this year. Zendejas was the only cadet representing Washington Wing and the youngest CLA attendee.

CLA provides cadets numerous tours of monuments, museums, and agencies such as the FBI. CLA also provides interactions with members of Congress, nightly seminars, a deeper understanding of the United States government and leadership principles.

Zendejas said one of his favorite moments of the academy was watching a trial at the Supreme Court.

Zendejas is the son of Carlos and Kathleen Zendejas of Auburn.