We had another great turnout for the 2024 scholarship cycle with sixty applications received – a new record for our program. The overall quality of the scholarship applications has always been impressive, and the 2024 submissions were no exception. In past years the career objectives for the majority of the applicants focused on becoming professional aviators. However, we’re starting to see more applications for students who want to pursue careers in aviation maintenance and air traffic control, which is encouraging.
As is normally the case, the scholarship committee puts in a lot of effort in the November/December timeframe to review applications and make final award recommendations. In the end analysis, we were awarded a total of twelve scholarships. Scholarships are an important part of APA’s mission, and it is very encouraging to see the memberships continued generosity and commitment to the program – thank you!
Here’s a quick overview of the 2022 scholarship winners – we will be publishing a more in-depth look at each of them in upcoming editions of the newsletter:
Matreiya Viafora – Matreiya is currently attending Verde Valley High School and plans to attend Untethered Aviation Academy in Sedona to complete her PPL. Her ultimate career goal is to become a professional pilot with the airlines.
Sofia Genova – Sofia is currently attending Red Mountain High School and the Aviation Program at the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT). She is a regular volunteer at AvPost 352 at Falcon Field and will attend Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) and the University of North Dakota flight program. Her goal is to become a professional with the airlines. She would ultimately like to return to AvPost 352 and volunteer her time as a CFI.
Andreus Blackwell – Andreus is a US Air Force veteran where he served as a C-17 loadmaster in his last assignment. Andreus is attending the University of North Dakota flight program and intends to pursue a career as a professional pilot with the airlines.
Corby Running – Corby is a US Navy veteran and is attending Chandler-Gilbert Community College and the University of North Dakota to obtain his ratings as a professional pilot. Corby’s ultimate career goal is to fly for the airlines.
Aiden Nelson – Aiden is currently attending the Aviation Maintenance Program at CGCC to become an A&P/IA. This is Aiden’s second APA Scholarship.
Daniel Dominguez – Daniel is currently attending EVIT and planning to obtain his PPL through the UND flight program. He will then transition to United Aviate Academy for the balance of his training through ATP.
Andrew Bravo – Andrew is a member of the Arizona Air National Guard where he serves as MQ-9 Reaper sensor operator. Andrew is attending Arizona State University and will obtain his PPL through Fly Eagle Sport in Glendale. Andrew’s ultimate goal is to secure a USAF pilot slot.
Jonathan Anderson – Aiden is currently attending the Aviation Maintenance Program at CGCC to become an A&P/IA.
Moises Basuri – Moises is currently attending the University of North Dakota flight program with an ultimate goal of pursuing a career as a corporate pilot.
Dawson Richardson – Dawson is currently attending the Aviation Maintenance Program at CGCC to become an A&P/IA.
Shanley Olson – Shanely is attending Chandler-Gilbert Community College and the University of North Dakota to obtain her ratings as a professional pilot. Shanley’s ultimate goal is to fly for the airlines. Shanley’s scholarship was made possible by Mrs. Karen King to help young women pursue careers in aviation. Karen’s SkyQueenKing Scholarship will be offered on an annual basis in partnership with the APA Scholarship Program.
Nanabah Yazzie – Nanabah is currently attending Arizona College Prep High School and is planning to attend CGCC and the University of North Dakota flight program. Nanabah is pursuing and airline career and hopes to give back to others in the Native American community seeking aviation careers. Her scholarship was made possible by a donation from USAF Capt. Kyele Bridel, one of the few female pilots going through F-35 transition training at Luke AFB.
The aviation industry remains strong and continues to grow, and this is reflected in the number of applications that APA receives for the scholarship program. And it is encouraging to see the drive and commitment of the applicants in pursuing aviation careers.
Thank you again for your commitment to helping APA fulfill a key part of our mission.
Fly Safe!
Chris