A total of six members of local Aviation Explorer Post 352, under the auspices of the Boy Scouts of America’s Learning for Life worksite-based, career education program, were awarded a total of $35,000 in 2016 National Aviation Exploring scholarships to offset the costs of their aviation educations.
In addition, Matt Trojanowski was recipient of the $2,000 Motorola Solutions Foundation Scholarship.
“These scholarships make it possible for young people to earn their aviation certifications much sooner than if they had to cover all the costs themselves,” said Post Advisor Bennett Sloan.
The mission of the local Explorer Post is to provide young men and women ages 14 to 20 with practical, action-oriented opportunities to explore aviation for fun and as a potential career. Students accumulate experience in piloting, ground school and aircraft maintenance, as well as participate in aviation events, such as the Copper State Fly-In.
“Post 352 is fortunate to be one of the few in the country to have ready access to a plane,” Bennett explained. “Years ago, the Falcon Fly Club was created at Falcon Field specifically to purchase a plane and provide aviation volunteers to teach the post members how to fly and maintain their Piper Cherokee.”
Learning for Life scholarships are based on aviation goals and accomplishments. Winners are Skylar Peterson, Sporty’s Foundation Professional Pilot’s Degree $20,000; and $3,000 each to Ryan Coats, Pilot; Kristian Nyman, Avionics; Austin Thompson, Aviation/Airport Management; Daniel Carpenter, Maintenance; and Kellan Bradshaw, Avionics.
A graduate of Red Mountain High School, Skylar is pursuing a commercial pilot certificate at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, and has a full scholarship to the Summer Aviation Academy at the University of North Dakota, where he will attend the university’s aeronautics program. His goal is to become either an airline or corporate pilot.
A National Honor Society student at Red Mountain High School, Ryan’s goal is to become a commercial airline pilot and to graduate from Embry Riddle University. He is actively involved with several school programs, including the varsity swim team. He also serves as a mentor with the Best Buddies program for students with special needs.
A student at Arizona State University, Kristian’s goal is to become a commercial airline pilot. An Eagle Scout with three Eagle palms, he has held leadership positions with several organizations, including vice president of his Exploring Post. Kristian dedicated 300 hours of community service to the City of Mesa and was presented the Silver Service award.
Austin’s goals are to become a U.S. Air Force pilot and then a commercial airline pilot. Currently, he is working toward his instrument and commercial rating certifications, and is pursuing a degree in Unmanned Aerial Science Aviation Management at Arizona State University. In 2010, Austin was awarded the Boy Scouts of America Heroism Award and the City of Mesa Young Hero Award for risking his life to save another.
A Saguaro High School student, Daniel plans to complete his private pilot certification and further his aviation education. An aviation explorer for two years, he served as an air marshal for the Copperstate Fly-In. Daniel is team captain for the Mohave Robotics Team, winning the Excellence Award for finishing in first place at the Arizona State VEX Robotics Championship.
Kellan started training for his private pilot’s license when he was 15. The Perry High School student’s long-term goal is to graduate from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University with a degree in Aeronautical Science (Fixed Wing). His immediate goal is to complete the certification process for his private pilot’s license by next year. He was a Copperstate Fly-In volunteer.
Aviation is just one of many career education training programs available to students. For more information, visit learningforlife.org or exploring.org/aviation/. For more information on Aviation Explorer Post 352, call Post Advisor Bennett Sloan at (602) 316-0588, or send an email to bennett.sloan@gmail.com.