In the fall of 2005, tradition's apple cart was knocked over, when Florida Air Academy, a once exclusively boy's school, opened its doors to the fairer sex.

Eleven-year-old Madison Gaylor of Indian Harbour Beach is the youngest of Florida Air Academy's new female students. Madison's goal is to attend the U.S. Naval Academy after she finishes high school. Photo courtesy of Florida Air Academy

Since 1961, when aviation enthusiast Jonathan Dwight fist founded Florida Air Academy, young men from around the globe have journeyed to Brevard to study at the prestigious prep school.

For years, local residents passed the property on U. S. Highway 192, having little interaction with the students residing within the white washed walls of the building, which was originally designated as the Lincoln Hotel in 1926.

Now presided over by Jonathan Dwight's son, James, the all-male institution was dealt an upset with the introduction of the "day-students" program a few years ago.

After nearly half-a-century of exclusivity, in August 2005, the halls of this symbol of gender-specific propriety went co-ed.

"Allowing female students was a natural part of the school's evolution, said academy president James Dwight.

With the first semester behind them, FAA's girls have not disappointed. They are quickly becoming leaders as well as pioneers.

Already attaining the rank of Chief Warrant Officer, 17-year-old Victoria McPartland, of Rockledge, is the women's day student commanding officer.

"It's been everything I expected here," said Victoria. "I love it."

The youngest of these pioneers is 11-year-old Madison Gaylor of Indian Harbour Beach.

Madison said she chose to attend Florida Air Academy as a steppingstone to her dreams.

"I have a goal," Madison said. "I want to attend the U. S. Naval Academy."

The Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., is one of the nation's toughest military colleges, and young Madison said Florida Air is helping her prepare.

Madison's father Bill Gaylor is a former Marine and roll model for his daughter.

"Since my dad is a Marine, I thought FAA would be fun and wanted to see what it was like," she said. "My favorite part is the friends I have at school."

Candace Bolukbas, 17, of Palm Bay, is a junior at the prestigious prep school. After attending Palm Bay High School for her early high school career, she has enjoyed the strict structure of her new school.

"The teachers really stay on top of your grades here, she said. "They don't let you fall behind."

Candace said she enjoys many differences between private and public school, but she joked that one in particular stood out.

"I don't have to worry about what to wear", she said laughingly. "Actually, the main focuses here are grades and success. I like that."

Not all of these young women share the same experience, though.

Sophomore Brandi Duplechain is one of 26 female boarding students. The 15-year-old came to Brevard from Tampa because of the academy's college preparatory elements.

"My old school didn't push college," said Brandi. "I like this more because of its focus on college and the scholarship opportunities I have."

One unique and negative facet of Brandi's experience is homesickness.

"I really miss home," she said. "That's the only bad thing for me."

While the face of the school continues to change, some things are invariably universal.

"I miss home cooked meals," Brandi said of her least favorite aspect of her new school
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Since the beginning of its first year accepting female cadets, the school reports that the program is a complete success. Currently, there are 31 female day students from throughout Brevard and 26 boarding students from around the world.

While the changes have taken some getting used to, the once fraternal institution has welcomed its new sisters with open arms.