The moment that cemented my passion for aviation began with my hands on the yoke and my heart racing in a way I had never felt before. I was a senior in high school, and it was my first solo flight. I taxied to the runway, completed my checks, and took a deep breath before pushing the throttle forward. As the aircraft accelerated and lifted into the air without anyone beside me, I felt a surge of exhilaration and purpose. Below me, my parents and flight instructor stood on the ramp watching, three of the people who believed in me most, and for the first time I was flying completely on my own. That moment was the culmination of months of preparation through coursework in the Pilot Pathway at the St. Vrain Valley School District Innovation Center. It was the moment that I knew aviation wasn’t just a hobby for me, it was the purpose and profession that I was meant to pursue. Today, I am a student in Southern Utah University’s nationally respected aviation program, pursuing a B.S. in Aerospace and Aviation Science with a Fixed Wing emphasis. I hold my Private Pilot and Commercial Pilot certificates, along with an Instrument Rating and High-Performance and Tailwheel endorsements. Flying the Cirrus SR20, I have accumulated 227.5 total hours, including 134.5 hours as Pilot in Command, and I am currently progressing through CFI Ground School. In the upcoming academic year, I plan to earn my CFI, CFII, and MEL ratings. Every hour in the air strengthens my skills, my discipline, and my passion for flying. Aviation has shaped who I am, not just as a pilot, but as a leader. As a Division I football athlete, I’ve learned to communicate clearly, stay composed under pressure, and make disciplined decisions, qualities that directly translate to the cockpit. Football has taught me how to remain steady in high-stakes moments and how to lead by example, both on the field and in the air. These experiences have refined my professionalism, my focus, and my ability to work within a team, all traits essential for a future airline captain. Service is another major part of my passion for aviation. Over the last few years, I’ve completed more than 50 hours of community service mentoring younger athletes and supporting outreach events. I’ve also had opportunities to speak with prospective aviation students, sharing my own path into SUU’s program and helping them feel informed, welcomed, and capable of reaching their goals. I know how powerful a single inspiring interaction can be, and I want to give that same sense of possibility to others who dream of flying. My long-term goal is to become a captain for a major U.S. airline known for professionalism, strong communication, and steady leadership that earns the trust of both passengers and crew. The financial realities of this goal are significant. Flight labs are costly and the need to take student loans to continue advancing through my training is daunting. I am grateful for opportunities like this and for the Diorio family for establishing a scholarship in James Diorio’s name whose values and generosity continue to lift others. This scholarship represents more than financial support, it represents the kind of legacy I hope to build: one of perseverance, service, and a shared love for aviation. Aviation became my passion in a single moment, but it has grown into the purpose I work for every single day. I am driven, committed, and ready to honor this opportunity by becoming an exceptional pilot and leader in the industry. Thank you for considering my application.

A single night changed my trajectory. What began as idle scrolling led me to a flight simulator video—one that captured, in startling realism, the full experience of piloting an aircraft. By the end of the flight, I was inspired. That night, I devoured hours of aviation content, and by sunrise, I was already researching what it takes to become a pilot. My future became clear, and I knew instantly this is what I wanted to do with my life. Today, I’m an aviation student at Southern Utah University, pursuing a B.S. in Aerospace and Aviation Science with a Fixed Wing emphasis. I’m building foundational flight experience in the Cirrus SR20 while maintaining a 3.8 GPA and competing as a Division I football athlete. This dual commitment demands elite discipline, time management, and composure under pressure—qualities I bring into every flight lab and classroom. From the moment I first sat in a cockpit, I recognized that aviation demands more than technical skill. It requires leadership, resilience, and the ability to make calm, decisive choices in high-stakes environments. As a team captain on the SUU football team, I lead by example—motivating teammates, setting the tone in practices, and holding others accountable. Leadership in football, like in aviation, means reading the field, communicating clearly, and staying composed when it matters most. These experiences have shaped how I approach both flying and life. Outside of athletics, I’ve contributed over 50 hours of community service in the 2024–25 academic year. Whether mentoring younger athletes or participating in outreach programs, I believe in lifting others as I climb. Leadership is not only about personal achievement—it's about creating an environment where others can succeed too. My ultimate goal is to become a captain for a major U.S. airline. In the 2025–26 academic year, I plan to earn my Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and Certified Flight Instrument Instructor (CFII) ratings so I can begin instructing while building flight hours. I will also obtain a Multiengine rating (MEL) and transition to ATP certification and long-term airline service. I’m committed to becoming not just a skilled aviator, but a leader in the cockpit—someone who prioritizes safety, communicates with clarity, and creates a strong culture of trust and professionalism. Financial challenges have been a significant part of my aviation journey. While I’m grateful for my football scholarship, flight training costs—especially in advanced aircraft like the SR20—have required me to take on substantial student loans. The Kyle Rairdan Memorial Aviation Scholarship represents more than financial relief; it symbolizes the opportunity to honor Kyle’s legacy by demonstrating the same dedication, passion, and excellence he brought to aviation. As I continue my journey in the skies, I remain focused on serving others, growing as a leader, and making a meaningful impact in aviation. Thank you for considering my application.