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Anthony Blocker

705

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

Bio

My name is Anthony Blocker, and I’m on a journey to turn my passion for mechanics into a career as an aviation mechanic. Growing up in New York in a single-parent household with my mom and four siblings, life wasn’t always easy. But those challenges taught me resilience and the importance of working hard for what I want. My love for mechanics started with cars. As a kid, I was always curious about how things worked. I’d spend hours watching videos, reading, or just taking things apart to see if I could put them back together. Over time, that curiosity grew into a full-blown passion. I started working on cars whenever I could, and I loved every second of it. But as I got older, I realized I wanted to take that passion even further. That’s when I discovered aviation mechanics. The idea of working on planes—helping to keep them safe and functional—felt like the perfect way to challenge myself and push my skills to the next level. For me, this isn’t just a career path; it’s a way to build a better future for myself and my family while doing something I truly love. This scholarship would mean the world to me because it’s a step toward achieving my dream. More importantly, it’s proof that where you start doesn’t define where you can go. Thank you for considering my application and helping me take flight—literally and figuratively.

Education

National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay

Trade School
2023 - 2025
  • Majors:
    • Engineering Mechanics
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Airlines/Aviation

    • Dream career goals:

      Russell Koci Skilled Trade Scholarship
      My name is Anthony Blocker, and I’ve always been captivated by the mechanics of machines. From a young age, I found myself fascinated by how things are built, how they work, and why they fail. Whether it was fixing a broken car or learning how different systems function, I always had a natural curiosity about machines. This drive to understand and repair what’s broken led me to pursue a career in aviation mechanics, a field that demands both precision and expertise. Growing up, I spent years honing my skills by working on cars. There was always something rewarding about diagnosing an issue and bringing a vehicle back to life. As I grew more skilled, I realized that I wanted to tackle more complex systems, which led me to aviation mechanics. Airplanes aren’t just larger versions of cars; they are critical lifelines that connect people, businesses, and cultures across the globe. The idea of contributing to something so essential resonated deeply with me. Aviation mechanics offers an opportunity to apply everything I love about working with machines at an even higher level, with greater responsibility and more complex systems. Currently, I am studying aviation mechanics, and I’m constantly challenged to stretch my knowledge and skills. The complexity of the systems I’m learning to maintain and repair pushes me to think critically and problem-solve in new ways. But it’s not just about the challenge—what excites me most is the impact my work has on safety. Every plane I help maintain, every component I repair, is part of a larger effort to ensure safe, reliable air travel. This sense of responsibility is something I take seriously, knowing that the work I do directly affects the safety of passengers and the success of air travel. Aviation mechanics requires attention to detail, the ability to troubleshoot effectively, and a willingness to keep learning. I’ve always been committed to mastering my craft, and I see this as the perfect opportunity to apply my years of experience in a more complex and impactful way. Working on airplanes means that the stakes are higher, and the skills I need to develop are more advanced, but that’s what makes it rewarding. The sense of purpose that comes with knowing that my work is helping people get to their destinations safely drives me every day. This career is more than just a job to me; it’s a calling. I’m passionate about what I do and believe that my work as an aviation mechanic will have lasting impact. It’s not just about fixing a machine—it’s about contributing to an industry that keeps the world moving. Whether I’m helping a business meet its logistics needs or ensuring that people can travel for work or personal reasons, the work I do matters, and that gives me pride. At the same time, aviation mechanics offers great potential for stability and growth. The field is constantly evolving, and skilled technicians are in high demand. This provides me with the opportunity to grow in my career, continue learning, and make a long-term impact. The ability to support my family through a stable, fulfilling career is something I value deeply, and aviation mechanics offers a path that ensures my future is both secure and rewarding. Success, to me, is about more than just earning a paycheck—it’s about waking up each day with a sense of purpose. It’s about knowing that I’m using my talents and skills to contribute to something larger than myself, and that my work is making a difference. Success means building a future I can be proud of.
      Raise Me Up to DO GOOD Scholarship
      My name is Anthony Blocker, and I’m a 30-year-old New York native now living in Florida, on a journey to turn my passion for mechanics into a career as an aviation mechanic. Growing up in a single-parent household in the heart of NYC with my mom and four siblings, life wasn’t always easy. Money was tight, and every day brought a new challenge. Yet, those experiences shaped who I am today. They instilled in me a relentless work ethic, a deep sense of gratitude, and the unwavering belief that no matter where you start, you can always rise above your circumstances. From a young age, I was fascinated by how things worked. I’d spend hours taking apart toys, household appliances, or anything I could get my hands on, just to see if I could put them back together. As I grew older, that curiosity evolved into a passion for cars. I started teaching myself through videos, books, and hands-on practice. Every time I fixed something, I felt a sense of accomplishment that fueled my determination to learn more. But as much as I loved working on cars, I wanted more. I wanted a career that would challenge me, push my skills to the next level, and provide a better future for myself and my family. That’s when I discovered aviation mechanics. The idea of working on airplanes—machines that carry people safely across the skies—resonated deeply with me. It wasn’t just about fixing things anymore; it was about responsibility, precision, and making an impact. Relocating to Florida to pursue this dream was a leap of faith. At 30 years old, starting over in a new state wasn’t easy. I left behind the familiarity of home, friends, and family to chase a vision for my future. Money has been tight, and the road hasn’t been smooth. Balancing financial struggles while dedicating myself to this new path has tested me in ways I never imagined. There are days when it feels overwhelming, but my passion and determination always keep me moving forward. This scholarship would mean more to me than words can express. It’s not just about financial assistance—though that would be a huge help—it’s about the belief that someone sees potential in me. It would be a reminder that hard work, resilience, and dedication are recognized and rewarded. This opportunity would allow me to focus wholeheartedly on my training and education, to become the best aviation mechanic I can be. Most importantly, this scholarship represents hope. It’s hope for a brighter future, not just for myself but for the family I’m working so hard to support. I want to show my siblings, my future children, and others that no matter where you come from or how tough life gets, you can rise above it. Thank you for considering my application. With your support, I can take flight—literally and figuratively—turning my passion into a career and my dreams into reality.
      Uniball's Skilled Trades Scholarship
      My name is Anthony Blocker, and I’m a 30-year-old New York native now living in Florida, on a journey to turn my passion for mechanics into a career as an aviation mechanic. Growing up in a single-parent household in the heart of NYC with my mom and four siblings, life wasn’t always easy. Money was tight, and every day brought a new challenge. Yet, those experiences shaped who I am today. They instilled in me a relentless work ethic, a deep sense of gratitude, and the unwavering belief that no matter where you start, you can always rise above your circumstances. From a young age, I was fascinated by how things worked. I’d spend hours taking apart toys, household appliances, or anything I could get my hands on, just to see if I could put them back together. As I grew older, that curiosity evolved into a passion for cars. I started teaching myself through videos, books, and hands-on practice. Every time I fixed something, I felt a sense of accomplishment that fueled my determination to learn more. But as much as I loved working on cars, I wanted more. I wanted a career that would challenge me, push my skills to the next level, and provide a better future for myself and my family. That’s when I discovered aviation mechanics. The idea of working on airplanes—machines that carry people safely across the skies—resonated deeply with me. It wasn’t just about fixing things anymore; it was about responsibility, precision, and making an impact. Relocating to Florida to pursue this dream was a leap of faith. At 30 years old, starting over in a new state wasn’t easy. I left behind the familiarity of home, friends, and family to chase a vision for my future. Money has been tight, and the road hasn’t been smooth. Balancing financial struggles while dedicating myself to this new path has tested me in ways I never imagined. There are days when it feels overwhelming, but my passion and determination always keep me moving forward. This scholarship would mean more to me than words can express. It’s not just about financial assistance—though that would be a huge help—it’s about the belief that someone sees potential in me. It would be a reminder that hard work, resilience, and dedication are recognized and rewarded. This opportunity would allow me to focus wholeheartedly on my training and education, to become the best aviation mechanic I can be. Most importantly, this scholarship represents hope. It’s hope for a brighter future, not just for myself but for the family I’m working so hard to support. I want to show my siblings, my future children, and others that no matter where you come from or how tough life gets, you can rise above it. Thank you for considering my application. With your support, I can take flight—literally and figuratively—turning my passion into a career and my dreams into reality.
      Rod Tucci Memorial Scholarship
      My name is Anthony Blocker, and I’m a 30-year-old New York native now living in Florida, on a journey to turn my passion for mechanics into a career as an aviation mechanic. Growing up in a single-parent household in the heart of NYC with my mom and four siblings, life wasn’t always easy. Money was tight, and every day brought a new challenge. Yet, those experiences shaped who I am today. They instilled in me a relentless work ethic, a deep sense of gratitude, and the unwavering belief that no matter where you start, you can always rise above your circumstances. From a young age, I was fascinated by how things worked. I’d spend hours taking apart toys, household appliances, or anything I could get my hands on, just to see if I could put them back together. As I grew older, that curiosity evolved into a passion for cars. I started teaching myself through videos, books, and hands-on practice. Every time I fixed something, I felt a sense of accomplishment that fueled my determination to learn more. But as much as I loved working on cars, I wanted more. I wanted a career that would challenge me, push my skills to the next level, and provide a better future for myself and my family. That’s when I discovered aviation mechanics. The idea of working on airplanes—machines that carry people safely across the skies—resonated deeply with me. It wasn’t just about fixing things anymore; it was about responsibility, precision, and making an impact. Relocating to Florida to pursue this dream was a leap of faith. At 30 years old, starting over in a new state wasn’t easy. I left behind the familiarity of home, friends, and family to chase a vision for my future. Money has been tight, and the road hasn’t been smooth. Balancing financial struggles while dedicating myself to this new path has tested me in ways I never imagined. There are days when it feels overwhelming, but my passion and determination always keep me moving forward. This scholarship would mean more to me than words can express. It’s not just about financial assistance—though that would be a huge help—it’s about the belief that someone sees potential in me. It would be a reminder that hard work, resilience, and dedication are recognized and rewarded. This opportunity would allow me to focus wholeheartedly on my training and education, to become the best aviation mechanic I can be. Most importantly, this scholarship represents hope. It’s hope for a brighter future, not just for myself but for the family I’m working so hard to support. I want to show my siblings, my future children, and others that no matter where you come from or how tough life gets, you can rise above it. Thank you for considering my application. With your support, I can take flight—literally and figuratively—turning my passion into a career and my dreams into reality.
      Thomas Mashig Foundation Trade School Scholarship
      My name is Anthony Blocker, and I’m a 30-year-old New York native now living in Florida, on a journey to turn my passion for mechanics into a career as an aviation mechanic. Growing up in a single-parent household in the heart of NYC with my mom and four siblings, life wasn’t always easy. Money was tight, and every day brought a new challenge. Yet, those experiences shaped who I am today. They instilled in me a relentless work ethic, a deep sense of gratitude, and the unwavering belief that no matter where you start, you can always rise above your circumstances. From a young age, I was fascinated by how things worked. I’d spend hours taking apart toys, household appliances, or anything I could get my hands on, just to see if I could put them back together. As I grew older, that curiosity evolved into a passion for cars. I started teaching myself through videos, books, and hands-on practice. Every time I fixed something, I felt a sense of accomplishment that fueled my determination to learn more. But as much as I loved working on cars, I wanted more. I wanted a career that would challenge me, push my skills to the next level, and provide a better future for myself and my family. That’s when I discovered aviation mechanics. The idea of working on airplanes—machines that carry people safely across the skies—resonated deeply with me. It wasn’t just about fixing things anymore; it was about responsibility, precision, and making an impact. Relocating to Florida to pursue this dream was a leap of faith. At 30 years old, starting over in a new state wasn’t easy. I left behind the familiarity of home, friends, and family to chase a vision for my future. Money has been tight, and the road hasn’t been smooth. Balancing financial struggles while dedicating myself to this new path has tested me in ways I never imagined. There are days when it feels overwhelming, but my passion and determination always keep me moving forward. This scholarship would mean more to me than words can express. It’s not just about financial assistance—though that would be a huge help—it’s about the belief that someone sees potential in me. It would be a reminder that hard work, resilience, and dedication are recognized and rewarded. This opportunity would allow me to focus wholeheartedly on my training and education, to become the best aviation mechanic I can be. Most importantly, this scholarship represents hope. It’s hope for a brighter future, not just for myself but for the family I’m working so hard to support. I want to show my siblings, my future children, and others that no matter where you come from or how tough life gets, you can rise above it. Thank you for considering my application. With your support, I can take flight—literally and figuratively—turning my passion into a career and my dreams into reality.
      Koehler Family Trades and Engineering Scholarship
      My name is Anthony Blocker, and I’m a 30-year-old New York native now living in Florida, on a journey to turn my passion for mechanics into a career as an aviation mechanic. Growing up in a single-parent household in the heart of NYC with my mom and four siblings, life wasn’t always easy. Money was tight, and every day brought a new challenge. Yet, those experiences shaped who I am today. They instilled in me a relentless work ethic, a deep sense of gratitude, and the unwavering belief that no matter where you start, you can always rise above your circumstances. From a young age, I was fascinated by how things worked. I’d spend hours taking apart toys, household appliances, or anything I could get my hands on, just to see if I could put them back together. As I grew older, that curiosity evolved into a passion for cars. I started teaching myself through videos, books, and hands-on practice. Every time I fixed something, I felt a sense of accomplishment that fueled my determination to learn more. But as much as I loved working on cars, I wanted more. I wanted a career that would challenge me, push my skills to the next level, and provide a better future for myself and my family. That’s when I discovered aviation mechanics. The idea of working on airplanes—machines that carry people safely across the skies—resonated deeply with me. It wasn’t just about fixing things anymore; it was about responsibility, precision, and making an impact. Relocating to Florida to pursue this dream was a leap of faith. At 30 years old, starting over in a new state wasn’t easy. I left behind the familiarity of home, friends, and family to chase a vision for my future. Money has been tight, and the road hasn’t been smooth. Balancing financial struggles while dedicating myself to this new path has tested me in ways I never imagined. There are days when it feels overwhelming, but my passion and determination always keep me moving forward. This scholarship would mean more to me than words can express. It’s not just about financial assistance—though that would be a huge help—it’s about the belief that someone sees potential in me. It would be a reminder that hard work, resilience, and dedication are recognized and rewarded. This opportunity would allow me to focus wholeheartedly on my training and education, to become the best aviation mechanic I can be. Most importantly, this scholarship represents hope. It’s hope for a brighter future, not just for myself but for the family I’m working so hard to support. I want to show my siblings, my future children, and others that no matter where you come from or how tough life gets, you can rise above it. Thank you for considering my application. With your support, I can take flight—literally and figuratively—turning my passion into a career and my dreams into reality.
      Larry Darnell Green Scholarship
      My name is Anthony Blocker, and I’m a 30-year-old New York native now living in Florida, on a journey to turn my passion for mechanics into a career as an aviation mechanic. Growing up in a single-parent household in the heart of NYC with my mom and four siblings, life wasn’t always easy. Money was tight, and every day brought a new challenge. Yet, those experiences shaped who I am today. They instilled in me a relentless work ethic, a deep sense of gratitude, and the unwavering belief that no matter where you start, you can always rise above your circumstances. From a young age, I was fascinated by how things worked. I’d spend hours taking apart toys, household appliances, or anything I could get my hands on, just to see if I could put them back together. As I grew older, that curiosity evolved into a passion for cars. I started teaching myself through videos, books, and hands-on practice. Every time I fixed something, I felt a sense of accomplishment that fueled my determination to learn more. But as much as I loved working on cars, I wanted more. I wanted a career that would challenge me, push my skills to the next level, and provide a better future for myself and my family. That’s when I discovered aviation mechanics. The idea of working on airplanes—machines that carry people safely across the skies—resonated deeply with me. It wasn’t just about fixing things anymore; it was about responsibility, precision, and making an impact. Relocating to Florida to pursue this dream was a leap of faith. At 30 years old, starting over in a new state wasn’t easy. I left behind the familiarity of home, friends, and family to chase a vision for my future. Money has been tight, and the road hasn’t been smooth. Balancing financial struggles while dedicating myself to this new path has tested me in ways I never imagined. There are days when it feels overwhelming, but my passion and determination always keep me moving forward. This scholarship would mean more to me than words can express. It’s not just about financial assistance—though that would be a huge help—it’s about the belief that someone sees potential in me. It would be a reminder that hard work, resilience, and dedication are recognized and rewarded. This opportunity would allow me to focus wholeheartedly on my training and education, to become the best aviation mechanic I can be. Most importantly, this scholarship represents hope. It’s hope for a brighter future, not just for myself but for the family I’m working so hard to support. I want to show my siblings, my future children, and others that no matter where you come from or how tough life gets, you can rise above it. Thank you for considering my application. With your support, I can take flight—literally and figuratively—turning my passion into a career and my dreams into reality.
      NE1 NE-Dream Scholarship
      My name is Anthony Blocker, and I’m a 30-year-old New York native now living in Florida, on a journey to turn my passion for mechanics into a career as an aviation mechanic. Growing up in a single-parent household in the heart of NYC with my mom and four siblings, life wasn’t always easy. Money was tight, and every day brought a new challenge. Yet, those experiences shaped who I am today. They instilled in me a relentless work ethic, a deep sense of gratitude, and the unwavering belief that no matter where you start, you can always rise above your circumstances. From a young age, I was fascinated by how things worked. I’d spend hours taking apart toys, household appliances, or anything I could get my hands on, just to see if I could put them back together. As I grew older, that curiosity evolved into a passion for cars. I started teaching myself through videos, books, and hands-on practice. Every time I fixed something, I felt a sense of accomplishment that fueled my determination to learn more. But as much as I loved working on cars, I wanted more. I wanted a career that would challenge me, push my skills to the next level, and provide a better future for myself and my family. That’s when I discovered aviation mechanics. The idea of working on airplanes—machines that carry people safely across the skies—resonated deeply with me. It wasn’t just about fixing things anymore; it was about responsibility, precision, and making an impact. Relocating to Florida to pursue this dream was a leap of faith. At 30 years old, starting over in a new state wasn’t easy. I left behind the familiarity of home, friends, and family to chase a vision for my future. Money has been tight, and the road hasn’t been smooth. Balancing financial struggles while dedicating myself to this new path has tested me in ways I never imagined. There are days when it feels overwhelming, but my passion and determination always keep me moving forward. This scholarship would mean more to me than words can express. It’s not just about financial assistance—though that would be a huge help—it’s about the belief that someone sees potential in me. It would be a reminder that hard work, resilience, and dedication are recognized and rewarded. This opportunity would allow me to focus wholeheartedly on my training and education, to become the best aviation mechanic I can be. Most importantly, this scholarship represents hope. It’s hope for a brighter future, not just for myself but for the family I’m working so hard to support. I want to show my siblings, my future children, and others that no matter where you come from or how tough life gets, you can rise above it. Thank you for considering my application. With your support, I can take flight—literally and figuratively—turning my passion into a career and my dreams into reality.
      Special Delivery of Dreams Scholarship
      My name is Anthony Blocker, and I’m a 30-year-old New York native now living in Florida, on a journey to turn my passion for mechanics into a career as an aviation mechanic. Growing up in a single-parent household in the heart of NYC with my mom and four siblings, life wasn’t always easy. Money was tight, and every day brought a new challenge. Yet, those experiences shaped who I am today. They instilled in me a relentless work ethic, a deep sense of gratitude, and the unwavering belief that no matter where you start, you can always rise above your circumstances. From a young age, I was fascinated by how things worked. I’d spend hours taking apart toys, household appliances, or anything I could get my hands on, just to see if I could put them back together. As I grew older, that curiosity evolved into a passion for cars. I started teaching myself through videos, books, and hands-on practice. Every time I fixed something, I felt a sense of accomplishment that fueled my determination to learn more. But as much as I loved working on cars, I wanted more. I wanted a career that would challenge me, push my skills to the next level, and provide a better future for myself and my family. That’s when I discovered aviation mechanics. The idea of working on airplanes—machines that carry people safely across the skies—resonated deeply with me. It wasn’t just about fixing things anymore; it was about responsibility, precision, and making an impact. Relocating to Florida to pursue this dream was a leap of faith. At 30 years old, starting over in a new state wasn’t easy. I left behind the familiarity of home, friends, and family to chase a vision for my future. Money has been tight, and the road hasn’t been smooth. Balancing financial struggles while dedicating myself to this new path has tested me in ways I never imagined. There are days when it feels overwhelming, but my passion and determination always keep me moving forward. This scholarship would mean more to me than words can express. It’s not just about financial assistance—though that would be a huge help—it’s about the belief that someone sees potential in me. It would be a reminder that hard work, resilience, and dedication are recognized and rewarded. This opportunity would allow me to focus wholeheartedly on my training and education, to become the best aviation mechanic I can be. Most importantly, this scholarship represents hope. It’s hope for a brighter future, not just for myself but for the family I’m working so hard to support. I want to show my siblings, my future children, and others that no matter where you come from or how tough life gets, you can rise above it. Thank you for considering my application. With your support, I can take flight—literally and figuratively—turning my passion into a career and my dreams into reality.
      Trudgers Fund
      My name is Anthony Blocker, and I’m a 30-year-old New York native now living in Florida, on a journey to turn my passion for mechanics into a career as an aviation mechanic. Growing up in a single-parent household in the heart of NYC with my mom and four siblings, life wasn’t always easy. Money was tight, and every day brought a new challenge. Yet, those experiences shaped who I am today. They instilled in me a relentless work ethic, a deep sense of gratitude, and the unwavering belief that no matter where you start, you can always rise above your circumstances. From a young age, I was fascinated by how things worked. I’d spend hours taking apart toys, household appliances, or anything I could get my hands on, just to see if I could put them back together. As I grew older, that curiosity evolved into a passion for cars. I started teaching myself through videos, books, and hands-on practice. Every time I fixed something, I felt a sense of accomplishment that fueled my determination to learn more. But as much as I loved working on cars, I wanted more. I wanted a career that would challenge me, push my skills to the next level, and provide a better future for myself and my family. That’s when I discovered aviation mechanics. The idea of working on airplanes—machines that carry people safely across the skies—resonated deeply with me. It wasn’t just about fixing things anymore; it was about responsibility, precision, and making an impact. Relocating to Florida to pursue this dream was a leap of faith. At 30 years old, starting over in a new state wasn’t easy. I left behind the familiarity of home, friends, and family to chase a vision for my future. Money has been tight, and the road hasn’t been smooth. Balancing financial struggles while dedicating myself to this new path has tested me in ways I never imagined. There are days when it feels overwhelming, but my passion and determination always keep me moving forward. This scholarship would mean more to me than words can express. It’s not just about financial assistance—though that would be a huge help—it’s about the belief that someone sees potential in me. It would be a reminder that hard work, resilience, and dedication are recognized and rewarded. This opportunity would allow me to focus wholeheartedly on my training and education, to become the best aviation mechanic I can be. Most importantly, this scholarship represents hope. It’s hope for a brighter future, not just for myself but for the family I’m working so hard to support. I want to show my siblings, my future children, and others that no matter where you come from or how tough life gets, you can rise above it. Thank you for considering my application. With your support, I can take flight—literally and figuratively—turning my passion into a career and my dreams into reality.
      Mark A. Jefferson Teaching Scholarship
      My name is Anthony Blocker, and I’m a 30-year-old New York native now living in Florida, on a journey to turn my passion for mechanics into a career as an aviation mechanic. Growing up in a single-parent household in the heart of NYC with my mom and four siblings, life wasn’t always easy. Money was tight, and every day brought a new challenge. Yet, those experiences shaped who I am today. They instilled in me a relentless work ethic, a deep sense of gratitude, and the unwavering belief that no matter where you start, you can always rise above your circumstances. From a young age, I was fascinated by how things worked. I’d spend hours taking apart toys, household appliances, or anything I could get my hands on, just to see if I could put them back together. As I grew older, that curiosity evolved into a passion for cars. I started teaching myself through videos, books, and hands-on practice. Every time I fixed something, I felt a sense of accomplishment that fueled my determination to learn more. But as much as I loved working on cars, I wanted more. I wanted a career that would challenge me, push my skills to the next level, and provide a better future for myself and my family. That’s when I discovered aviation mechanics. The idea of working on airplanes—machines that carry people safely across the skies—resonated deeply with me. It wasn’t just about fixing things anymore; it was about responsibility, precision, and making an impact. Relocating to Florida to pursue this dream was a leap of faith. At 30 years old, starting over in a new state wasn’t easy. I left behind the familiarity of home, friends, and family to chase a vision for my future. Money has been tight, and the road hasn’t been smooth. Balancing financial struggles while dedicating myself to this new path has tested me in ways I never imagined. There are days when it feels overwhelming, but my passion and determination always keep me moving forward. This scholarship would mean more to me than words can express. It’s not just about financial assistance—though that would be a huge help—it’s about the belief that someone sees potential in me. It would be a reminder that hard work, resilience, and dedication are recognized and rewarded. This opportunity would allow me to focus wholeheartedly on my training and education, to become the best aviation mechanic I can be. Most importantly, this scholarship represents hope. It’s hope for a brighter future, not just for myself but for the family I’m working so hard to support. I want to show my siblings, my future children, and others that no matter where you come from or how tough life gets, you can rise above it. Thank you for considering my application. With your support, I can take flight—literally and figuratively—turning my passion into a career and my dreams into reality.
      Scott W. Trades Memorial Scholarship
      My name is Anthony Blocker, and I’m a 30-year-old New York native now living in Florida, on a journey to turn my passion for mechanics into a career as an aviation mechanic. Growing up in a single-parent household in the heart of NYC with my mom and four siblings, life wasn’t always easy. Money was tight, and every day brought a new challenge. Yet, those experiences shaped who I am today. They instilled in me a relentless work ethic, a deep sense of gratitude, and the unwavering belief that no matter where you start, you can always rise above your circumstances. From a young age, I was fascinated by how things worked. I’d spend hours taking apart toys, household appliances, or anything I could get my hands on, just to see if I could put them back together. As I grew older, that curiosity evolved into a passion for cars. I started teaching myself through videos, books, and hands-on practice. Every time I fixed something, I felt a sense of accomplishment that fueled my determination to learn more. But as much as I loved working on cars, I wanted more. I wanted a career that would challenge me, push my skills to the next level, and provide a better future for myself and my family. That’s when I discovered aviation mechanics. The idea of working on airplanes—machines that carry people safely across the skies—resonated deeply with me. It wasn’t just about fixing things anymore; it was about responsibility, precision, and making an impact. Relocating to Florida to pursue this dream was a leap of faith. At 30 years old, starting over in a new state wasn’t easy. I left behind the familiarity of home, friends, and family to chase a vision for my future. Money has been tight, and the road hasn’t been smooth. Balancing financial struggles while dedicating myself to this new path has tested me in ways I never imagined. There are days when it feels overwhelming, but my passion and determination always keep me moving forward. This scholarship would mean more to me than words can express. It’s not just about financial assistance—though that would be a huge help—it’s about the belief that someone sees potential in me. It would be a reminder that hard work, resilience, and dedication are recognized and rewarded. This opportunity would allow me to focus wholeheartedly on my training and education, to become the best aviation mechanic I can be. Most importantly, this scholarship represents hope. It’s hope for a brighter future, not just for myself but for the family I’m working so hard to support. I want to show my siblings, my future children, and others that no matter where you come from or how tough life gets, you can rise above it. Thank you for considering my application. With your support, I can take flight—literally and figuratively—turning my passion into a career and my dreams into reality.
      Grover Scholarship Fund
      My name is Anthony Blocker, and I am a 30-year-old from New York City, now living in Florida, on a mission to turn my lifelong passion for mechanics into a career as an aviation mechanic. Growing up in NYC in a single-parent household with my mother and four siblings, life often felt like an uphill climb. Money was always tight, and we had to work hard to make ends meet. But those challenges shaped me, teaching me the value of perseverance, self-reliance, and determination. From an early age, I was drawn to mechanics. I’ve always been fascinated by how things work. Whether it was tinkering with toys, watching videos on engines, or reading about machinery, I had an insatiable curiosity. My love for mechanics grew into a full-fledged passion as I got older, and I began working on cars whenever I had the opportunity. There was something deeply satisfying about solving problems, using my hands, and watching the results of my hard work come to life. However, I wanted more for myself—a career that challenged me and gave me a sense of purpose. That’s when I discovered aviation mechanics. The idea of working on airplanes—complex machines that require precision and skill—sparked something in me. I knew I had found my calling. Moving to Florida to pursue this dream was a big step, but it hasn’t been easy. Starting over in a new state at 30, balancing my goals with financial challenges, has tested me in ways I didn’t anticipate. Money is tight, and every day is a reminder of how hard I have to work to make this dream a reality. Earning this scholarship would mean more than just financial relief; it would be a lifeline. It would allow me to focus on honing my craft, learning everything I can about aviation mechanics, and building a better future for myself and my family. More importantly, it would be a testament to my belief that where you start doesn’t define where you can go. Thank you for considering my application and for providing opportunities for people like me to pursue their passions. With your support, I can take flight in more ways than one, proving that hard work and determination can overcome any obstacle.
      Anthony Blocker Student Profile | Bold.org