Hunter Storm, according to those who know her, is a girl of remarkable drive, energy and resolve.

She has been baking pies to raise money that will support a trip to the Florida Everglades this summer to pitch herself into the world of marine oceanography research. The trip represents one more rung on the ladder that will, given her resolve, allow her to do what she loves best – to work in “oceanography and all sorts of science, animals, the universe and everything that’s in it.”

If anyone should doubt her resolve, the Thunder Mountain Middle School student can point to a track record of success. Just an eighth-grader, she has earned a black belt in mixed martial arts, learned to play the flute and piano and is working on obtaining a pilot’s license.

And if any more evidence were needed that some kind of rare fire burns in the Enumclaw 14-year-old, it came during a recent presentation in Auburn, where Storm received an award and medal from the United States Air Force. The honors stemmed from her involvement with the Civil Air Patrol.

Making the presentation was Lt. Col. Edward Saylor, 94, one of the four remaining members of the daring, World War II era Doolittle Raid on Japan.

Jessica Jerwa, a Civil Air Patrol public affairs officer, explained what the award and medal were about.

“Storm has promoted five times since joining on Feb. 22, 2013, receiving her most recent promotion on the same date this year,” Jerwa said. “She is part of our cadet staff, meaning she has other more junior cadets under her command. She was recognized as an Honor Cadet for her flight at Washington State’s Cascade Falcon (Basic) Encampment at Joint Base Lewis McCord last summer.”

Storm explained what has inspired her rapid ascent to the rank of Technical Sergeant in the Civil Air Patrol.

“The hope of getting my pilot’s license, mostly,” she said. “I’m excited to get it – by the time I can drive would be nice. All modes of transportation, you know.”

She follows a simple, direct, effective philosophy: “Just go out and do it; don’t just sit there and wait for it to come to you.”

Her father, Joseph, is a second lieutenant in the Civil Air Patrol.

“She’s just an amazing person,” said Lt. Paul Hansen, deputy commander for the Green River Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol.

The Civil Air Patrol is a Congressionally chartered, federally supported, nonprofit corporation that serves as the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force. It is a volunteer organization with an aviation-minded membership that includes people from all backgrounds, lifestyles, and occupations.

The Green River Squadron meets weekly at Hazelwood Elementary school in Auburn.