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Elliott Cheek

7x

Nominee

2x

Finalist

2x

Winner

Bio

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 and Instrument training, including a solo flight from Logan, UT to Pocatello, ID. Ellie plans to become a Certified Flight Instructor for USU in the near future. Ellie maintains a 3.9 GPA and is an active member of the USU community. She is President of USU's Women in Aviation International Chapter and represented USU at the 2025 international conference in Denver, CO and Dallas, TX. 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 countless hours with her local church choir. Ellie looks forward to the day she can fly professionally over the mountain west.

Education

Utah State University

Bachelor's degree program
2024 - 2028

Utah State University

Bachelor's degree program
2024 - 2028
  • Majors:
    • Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering

Bishop Kelly High School

High School
2020 - 2024

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Physical Sciences, Other
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Airlines/Aviation

    • Dream career goals:

    • Campus Book Store: Customer Service

      Utah State University
      2025 – Present1 year
    • Flight Lead: USU Aviation Camp

      USU Aviation
      2025 – 2025
    • Summer Intern

      3LPower
      2024 – 2024
    • Private Pilot

      USU Aviation
      2024 – 20251 year
    • Snowista

      Aloha Ice Tropical Sno
      2023 – 2023

    Sports

    Basketball

    Junior Varsity
    2020 – 2020

    Volleyball

    Varsity
    2020 – Present6 years

    Awards

    • academic excellence scholar

    Track & Field

    Varsity
    2021 – Present5 years

    Arts

    • Utah State University Choral Choir

      Music
      2024 – Present

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      USU Aviation — Planner and Leader
      2025 – Present
    • Volunteering

      Utah State University Student Alumni Association — Member
      2024 – Present
    • Volunteering

      Women In Aviation — Membership Chair/National Conference Representative for USU
      2024 – Present
    • Volunteering

      Church — Lead Soprano
      2019 – 2024
    • Volunteering

      Wissel Farms — Pumpkin picking
      2019 – Present

    Future Interests

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    STLF Memorial Pay It Forward Scholarship
    One of the most meaningful volunteer efforts I have helped organize has been Girls in Aviation Day through Utah State University's Women in Aviation International chapter. As Chapter President, I work with fellow members to plan and execute events that introduce young girls and their families to aviation careers. These events include educational activities, aircraft displays, career exploration opportunities, and interactions with pilots and aviation professionals. Many participants have never been exposed to aviation before, and it is rewarding to watch them discover possibilities they may never have considered. My role extends beyond event planning. During these outreach events, I volunteer my time to answer questions, share my experiences as a pilot, and encourage students to pursue their interests in aviation and STEM fields. I also volunteer as an Aviation Leader for Utah State University's summer aviation camp, where I help mentor high school students throughout a week-long program. Whether leading activities, assisting with classroom sessions, or helping students navigate the airport environment, I enjoy sharing my passion for aviation and helping others build confidence in their abilities. My commitment to service extends beyond aviation. For the past seven years, I have served in my church's music ministry, helping lead music and contributing to worship services and community activities. This experience has taught me the importance of consistency, humility, and serving others without expecting recognition. Through this role, I have learned that even small contributions can positively impact a community. Additionally, I served as a writing tutor for three years. As a tutor, I worked with students to strengthen their writing skills, improve their confidence, and achieve their academic goals. Writing can be intimidating for many students, and I enjoyed helping them realize they were capable of more than they thought. This experience reinforced the value of patience, encouragement, and individualized support. These volunteer experiences have shaped my understanding of leadership through service. I believe leadership is not about holding a title or being in charge; it is about helping others succeed. Effective leaders listen, mentor, encourage, and create opportunities for others to grow. Through aviation outreach, church service, and tutoring, I have learned that leadership is most impactful when it focuses on serving the needs of others. As I continue my education and pursue a career as a professional pilot, I hope to carry these lessons with me. Whether mentoring future aviators, serving my community, or supporting those around me, I plan to continue using leadership as a means of service. The most meaningful accomplishments are often not the ones we achieve for ourselves, but the opportunities we create for others.