Mechanical engineering is the foundation of nearly every advancement in construction and manufacturing. By studying this field, I am preparing myself to be part of industries that design, build, and refine the systems and tools that drive our daily lives. For me, mechanical engineering is more than a career path—it is an opportunity to solve problems and create safer, more efficient systems that serve both individuals and society. I have a targeted interest in firearms and optical systems, such as scopes, and how they can be made safer and more reliable. While this may seem like a very specialized focus, firearms and optics rely on some of the most advanced principles of manufacturing, from precision machining and metallurgy to quality assurance and performance testing. In this field, even the smallest design improvements can translate into major changes in safety, reliability, and user experience. By applying my mechanical engineering education to this area, I hope to contribute to innovations that will strengthen both manufacturing standards and product safety. The future of manufacturing will be shaped by engineers who are willing to take responsibility for how their designs affect people. My goal is to bring a mindset of integrity, precision, and safety into my work. Whether I am working on a firearm component, an optical system, or another engineered product, I want to set a high standard for safety and accountability in design. In this way, I hope to make an impact not only on the products I help develop, but also on the broader industry culture—showing that engineering can advance performance while also prioritizing human safety. This scholarship would make a tremendous difference in helping me reach that goal. As a husband and father of two young daughters, I am balancing my education with providing for my family. I have worked hard to excel academically, maintaining a 3.71 GPA at Brigham Young University and completing an internship in mechanical engineering, but financial challenges remain. This scholarship would ease the burden of tuition and living expenses, allowing me to dedicate more time and focus to my studies, internships, and research opportunities. In turn, it would enable me to graduate on time and enter the workforce ready to make an impact. In the long term, I want my work as a mechanical engineer to represent both innovation and responsibility. Through improving manufacturing practices and product safety, I believe I can contribute to shaping a future where engineering truly serves people. With the support of this scholarship, I will be better prepared to achieve that goal.

My name is Cannon Kay, and at 25 years old I am a husband and father of two young daughters, as well as a Montana resident pursuing my dream of becoming a mechanical engineer. Balancing academics, work, and family has been both a challenge and a blessing, and it has shaped not only the way I approach my education, but also the values and goals that drive me. Academically, I have worked hard to maintain strong performance at every stage of my education. During my time at Brigham Young University, I held a 3.71 GPA, including a 4.0 GPA in my first four semesters, after graduating high school with a 4.0. These experiences reinforced my ability to learn consistently, manage heavy course loads, and push through challenges without giving up. In addition to my coursework, I have also completed an internship in mechanical engineering, which gave me valuable hands-on experience in applying theory to real-world systems. That internship confirmed for me that I am pursuing the right field, because it gave me a glimpse of how engineering innovation can solve real problems and improve efficiency. Looking ahead, my long-term career goal is to specialize in the design and improvement of firearms and optical systems, such as scopes. I have a targeted interest in making these systems safer, more efficient, and more reliable for the people who use them. Firearms engineering requires precision, innovation, and responsibility—qualities that I am passionate about developing in my own work. By focusing on safety and performance, I hope to contribute to advancements that can have a meaningful impact, both in civilian applications such as hunting and sport shooting, and in professional contexts where reliability is critical. What excites me most about this focus is that it combines advanced mechanical engineering principles with real-world applications where small improvements can make a big difference. The values that drive me are closely tied to my family and my upbringing. As a husband and father, I am motivated by the responsibility I feel to provide stability, opportunity, and a positive example for my daughters. I want them to see that hard work, perseverance, and faith can overcome challenges and open doors. At the same time, I am committed to responsibility in my professional life. Engineering is not just about building things—it is about solving problems in ways that make systems safer, more sustainable, and more useful. I believe my chosen field in firearms and optics carries a special responsibility, and I want to approach it with integrity, discipline, and a focus on safety. Another value that shapes me is perseverance. My life has not always been easy, but I have learned that staying the course, even when things feel overwhelming, leads to growth and success. I apply this lesson both in my family life and in my education, and I know it will serve me well in my career. Finally, I value service. I want to use my skills not only to provide for my family, but also to contribute positively to my community, to Montana, and to the engineering profession. In conclusion, my long-term career goal is to become a mechanical engineer who specializes in firearms and scopes, making them safer and more efficient. What drives me are the values of family, perseverance, and responsibility, which shape both how I live and how I work. I believe these values, combined with my education and hands-on experience, will enable me to succeed in engineering and to create a lasting impact on both my family’s future and the broader community.