Ellie Cheek is an Aviation Technology–Professional Pilot student at Utah State University (USU). A resident of Eagle, ID, she graduated from Bishop Kelly High School in 2024. After taking her first discovery flight out of Nampa, ID in 2023, Ellie set her sights on finding a university program where she could train to become a professional pilot. At Utah State, Ellie completed her Private Pilot training, including a solo flight from Logan, UT to Pocatello, ID. She continued her training over the summer, finishing her cross-country ground and flight courses, and is now working on her instrument rating. Ellie plans to become a Certified Flight Instructor for USU in the future. Ellie maintains a 3.9 GPA and is an active member of the USU community. She is involved in Women in Aviation International and represented USU at the 2025 international conference in Denver, CO. She also participates in the USU Student Alumni Association, sings soprano in the university choir, and works in the campus bookstore. Ellie is passionate about aviation and enjoys helping plan and run USU Girls in Aviation Day. She also serves as a flight lead for USU’s Aggie Aviation Adventure Camp, supporting younger students exploring aviation. While living in Eagle, ID, Ellie worked as a horse guide and farmhand at Twin Oaks Farms and at the shave ice shack at Eagle Island State Park. She also volunteered many hours with her local church choir. Ellie looks forward to the day she can fly professionally over the beautiful state she calls home.