In this month’s Scholarship Corner, we’ll wrap up our introductions of the 2025 scholarship recipients. We had the pleasure of meeting some of our scholarship recipients at the annual meeting, and it was great to meet them in person and get an update on their journey towards their aviation careers. It’s always encouraging to see how the APA Scholarship program helps these students achieve their career goals.
Most importantly, I want to thank the membership for continuing to donate to support this important part of APA’s mission.
Moises Basuri
Hello, my name is Moises Basarui. I am a U.S. Air Force veteran and former crew chief on the F-22A Raptor. Recently, I passed my Commercial Multi-engine checkride. I am currently a CFI applicant at UND Aerospace. Spring 2026 is my graduating semester with Chandler Gilbert Community College and UND Aerospace's professional pilot degree program. Initially, my goal is to be hired as a CFI at UND to instruct and give back to the Arizona pilot community to new aspiring pilots. Additionally, I intend to pursue my CFII certification after earning my CFI certificate. I will also continue to further my education by pursuing my Bachelor's online with UND.
Molly Thompson
My career goal is to become a professional pilot, with long-term aspirations in corporate and aerobatic aviation. I am currently working toward my Private Pilot License as the foundation of my aviation journey, with plans to continue training through my instrument, commercial, and instructor ratings. Aviation is more than a career path for me. It's a passion that has shaped my life with leadership, work ethic, and commitment to serving others. I am deeply involved in the aviation community through volunteering, mentorship, and youth leadership, and I plan to continue giving back by encouraging and supporting future pilots.
I am deeply grateful for APA's commitment to supporting students like me. I am honored to represent the APA as their scholarship recipient, and I will make sure to carry forward the values of passion, service, and leadership in everything I do. With the support of this scholarship, I can continue my training, alleviating the financial challenges that would hold me back, and use what I’ve learned to continue to give back to the aviation community. With your help, I will not only achieve my dream of becoming a pilot but also continue to invest in others. Thank you for your generous donation.
Olivia Thiebaut
I have an unwavering passion for aviation and flying, one that goes beyond a career choice and represents my calling. From the first moment I experienced the freedom of the skies, I knew aviation was where my purpose and future lived. Flight has taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of always looking ahead and aiming higher than what feels comfortable. My hope and goal is to become a pilot where I have the privilege and opportunity to discover the right aviation career path for myself. As a female pursuing a career in aviation, I am motivated not only by my own goals, but by the opportunity to help break barriers, increase women's representation, and inspire young girls to discover the sky as a place where they also may belong.
The Arizona Pilot Association scholarship I have received plays a vital role in helping me turn these goals into reality. By easing the financial burden of training, this scholarship allows me to stay focused on advancing my education, refining my skills, and reaching critical milestones in my aviation journey. More than financial support, it represents confidence in my potential and reinforces the importance of supporting women in this industry. With the backing of this scholarship, I am empowered to aim high, pursue excellence, and continue working towards a future in aviation where passion and perseverance help shape the skies.
That’s a wrap for the 2025 scholarship program and we open applications for the 2026 program this month. Thank you again for helping APA build the next generation of Arizona aviation professionals.
Chris