Two Academy Cadets named Truman Scholars

U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications

U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. – U.S. Air Force Academy Cadets Second Class Kelsey Monaghan-Bergson and Sophia Stewart have been named by the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation Board of Trustees.

The juniors from the Academy’s Class of 2025 were named among 60 Truman Scholars selected from 709 applicants nominated by 285 colleges, universities or a military service academy. The cadets are the only scholars named who attend a military service academy; and the Academy is one of six nominating institutions with multiple Truman Scholars named in 2024.

The foundation selects Truman Scholars from finalists who demonstrate outstanding leadership potential, a commitment to a career in government or the nonprofit sector, and academic excellence. Each Truman Scholar receives funding for graduate studies, leadership training, career counseling, and special internship and fellowship opportunities within the federal government.

“We are thrilled to have two cadets selected as Truman Scholars this year. Kelsey and Sophia are true agents of change; they are devoted to the betterment of their communities and passionate about making a difference in the world,” said Brig. Gen. Linell Letendre, U.S. Air Force Academy Dean of the Faculty. “These awards reflect not only the cadets’ hard work, but the mentorship of faculty and staff across the Academy who supported and propelled Kelsey and Sophia’s efforts. We are so proud of our Truman Scholars and can’t wait to see their impact!”

The Cadets are the 25th and 26th Truman Scholars from the Academy; the first was former Maj. John Carr, Class of 1994.

Cadet 2nd Class Kelsey Monaghan-Bergson, a junior at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. Was just named one of two Truman Scholars from the Academy.

Cadet 2nd Class Kelsey Monaghan-Bergson

Monaghan-Bergson is pursuing a major in behavioral sciences and a minor in diversity and inclusion and plans to pursue a graduate degree in social innovation with a concentration in neurodiversity studies. The Tacoma, Washington, native hopes to serve as an Air Force information operations officer and continue her neurodiversity efforts following her post-graduate program.

“This is by no means a solitary endeavor; it is a reflection of the community that has dedicated unwavering support and mentorship toward my growth and passions,” said Cadet Monaghan-Bergson. “I would especially like to thank the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership and CyberWorx – they are only a glimpse of the village that has raised me and helped me reach closer to my goals as a developing public servant. I’m absolutely ecstatic about this pursuit, certain that it is just the beginning.”

Cadet 2nd Class Sophia Stewart, a junior at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. Was just named one of two Truman Scholars from the Academy.

Cadet 2nd Class Sophia Stewart

Stewart is a double major in political science and foreign area studies who plans to pursue a master’s degree in data analytics and policy. The Woodstock, Georgia, native hopes to serve as an Air Force Office of Special Investigations Agent following her post-graduate program.

“I’m so grateful for this opportunity, but nothing is ever earned alone. I owe a deep thanks to my friends, faculty, and mentors at the Academy for supporting me through this process,” said Cadet Stewart. “The most exciting aspect of this scholarship is the community; I’ve looked up to my Truman Scholar faculty and former cadets since I arrived at the Academy. It’s an honor to be accepted into this community and to continue to learn from, and to be inspired by, those who have gone before me.”