One of the biggest challenges I have faced in my life was experiencing homelessness during eighth grade and the first half of ninth grade. My family faced financial struggles that forced us into an unstable living situation, moving between shelters, motels, and sometimes even sleeping in our car. The uncertainty about where we would stay each night made it difficult to focus on school, but I refused to let my circumstances define my future. Despite these hardships, I remained committed to my education. I found refuge in my schoolwork, using it as a source of stability and hope. Teachers and mentors encouraged me, and I took advantage of every opportunity to excel academically. My passion for aviation also kept me motivated; I dreamed of becoming a pilot and knew that education was my pathway to success. Eventually, my family’s situation improved, but the resilience and determination I developed during that period have stayed with me. Overcoming homelessness taught me the value of perseverance, hard work, and the importance of helping others in similar situations. This scholarship will allow me to continue my flight training and pursue a career in aviation, but its impact extends far beyond my personal goals. As someone who has faced adversity, I am enthusiastic about using my journey to inspire others, especially young people who may be struggling with difficult circumstances. By achieving my dream of becoming a commercial pilot, I hope to show others that their background does not define their future and that with determination, anything is possible. Additionally, I plan to give back to my community by mentoring aspiring pilots, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Flight training is expensive, and financial barriers prevent talented individuals from pursuing aviation careers. Through outreach programs, mentorship, and even creating scholarship opportunities in the future, I want to help others navigate the path to becoming a pilot. This scholarship will not only support my education but also enable me to uplift others who share my passion for aviation. To encourage young people to pursue this hobby, we need to modernize its appeal and make it more interactive and accessible. One way to spark interest is by integrating technology with stamp collecting. Creating engaging mobile apps and online platforms where users can learn about rare stamps, trade with collectors worldwide, and participate in virtual exhibitions would make the hobby more exciting. Interactive features such as augmented reality (AR) could allow collectors to scan a stamp and instantly view its historical significance, the story behind its design, or even a short video about the era it represents. Another approach is to connect stamp collecting with storytelling. Schools and community centers could host workshops where students create stamp-themed projects that reflect their heritage or interests. For instance, students could design their own stamps based on historical events, famous figures, or personal milestones, deepening their appreciation for the artistry and meaning behind each stamp. Additionally, promoting philately through social media and influencers could help bridge the gap between traditional collecting and modern interests. Engaging content, such as YouTube videos highlighting rare stamps or TikTok challenges where users share their favorite finds, could introduce philately to a wider audience. Collaborating with museums and postal services to organize youth-friendly exhibitions, scavenger hunts, or stamp design contests would also make the hobby more engaging and appealing. Ultimately, encouraging young people to pursue philately requires a blend of education, technology, and creativity. By making stamp collecting more interactive, accessible, and relevant to today’s youth, we can preserve this timeless hobby for future generations while helping them discover the rich stories that stamps must tell.

The Loss of My Grandfather and Its Impact on My Life Losing my grandfather was one of the most profound experiences of my life. He was more than just a family member, he was my mentor, my role model, and one of my biggest supporters. His passing left a void in my heart, but it also shaped the way I approach life, adversity, and my goals. My grandfather was a man of incredible wisdom and resilience. He had lived through hardships, built a life for his family, and instilled in me the values of hard work and perseverance. One of my earliest and fondest memories involves sitting beside him, listening to his stories about life, sacrifice, and determination. He often spoke about the importance of never giving up, no matter how difficult things become. Those lessons stuck with me, and I carried them with me as I navigated my own struggles. His passing was sudden, and it shook me to my core. I had always believed he would be there to see me grow into the person I aspired to be. Losing him forced me to confront grief in a way I had never experienced before. There were moments when I felt lost, uncertain of how to move forward without his guidance. However, in those moments of pain, I found strength in his teachings. Rather than allowing grief to consume me, I chose to honor his memory by embodying the values he instilled in me. One of the biggest lessons I took from my grandfather’s life was the power of resilience. I experienced homelessness during eighth grade and part of ninth grade, a time when I had to rely on my inner strength to push forward. There were days when I was not sure where I would sleep or how I would get through the next challenge. But my grandfather’s words echoed in my mind: "No matter how tough life gets, you keep going." That belief helped me survive those difficult years, work hard in school, and pursue my passion for aviation. My grandfather also played a role in shaping my love for flying. He was fascinated by airplanes, and we often watched planes take off and land when I was a child. He encouraged my dreams of becoming a pilot and always told me that I was meant to do something great. When I earned my private pilot’s license after high school, I wished more than anything that he had been there to see it. But in many ways, I know his influence is woven into everything I do. Even now, as I work toward my commercial pilot’s license, I carry his memory with me. His unwavering belief in me pushes me to keep striving, even when the journey is tough. Losing him was one of the hardest things I have ever experienced, but it also gave me a deeper sense of purpose. I want to make him proud, to live a life that reflects the lessons he taught me, and to help others the way he helped me. In the end, my grandfather’s impact on my life goes beyond just memories. His strength, wisdom, and love continue to guide me every day. While I miss him deeply, I am grateful for the time I had with him and the values he left behind. His legacy lives on in my determination, my passion, and my refusal to give up, no matter what obstacles come my way.

My goal is to become a professional airline pilot, a dream I have pursued with passion since childhood. To achieve this, I am currently studying commercial aviation at the University of North Dakota, where I am working toward obtaining my instrument rating and commercial pilot certification. My plan involves structured flight training, academic coursework, financial planning, and career-building experiences to ensure a smooth transition into the aviation industry. Steps to Achieve My Goal 1. Complete Flight Training and Certifications o Earn my instrument rating (in progress this semester). o Complete my commercial single-engine and multi-engine certifications. o Work toward my Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) rating to build flight hours efficiently. o Pursue an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certification when eligible. 2. Gain Experience and Build Flight Hours o Work as a flight instructor to log hours and gain real-world flying experience. o Seeking opportunities for internships or mentorships with regional airlines. o Network with industry professionals through aviation organizations such as the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). 3. Financial Planning and Scholarships o Apply for aviation-related scholarships to reduce the financial burden of training. o Utilize student loans strategically to cover essential costs without excessive debt. o Working part-time to supplement flight training expenses. Resources Required 1. Aircraft Rental and Instructor Fees o Estimated $15,000-$20,000 for instrument rating. o Approximately $35,000 for commercial certifications. o CFI training costs around $8,000-$12,000. o ATP certification will be an additional cost closer to employment. 2. University Tuition and Fees o Annual tuition at the University of North Dakota: Approximately $24,000 (plus flight costs beyond federal loans). o Additional training and simulator fees as needed. 3. Living Expenses o Rent, utilities, and groceries: $10,000 per year. o Transportation and fuel: $2,000 per year. o Miscellaneous expenses: $3,000 per year. Timing and Consideration of Different Paths • Short-Term (Next 1-2 Years): Finish instrument rating and commercial license, then work on CFI certification. Continue networking and applying for scholarships. • Mid-Term (2-5 Years): Gain flight hours as a CFI, apply for regional airline first officer positions, and prepare for ATP certification. • Long-Term (5+ Years): Transition to a major airline as a first officer and work toward becoming a captain. Alternative Paths to Success • Corporate Aviation: If airline hiring slows, I can pursue jobs as a corporate pilot. • Cargo Airlines: Consider flying for cargo carriers like FedEx or UPS as an alternative route. • Military Aviation: Explore Air National Guard or Reserves to gain experience and flight hours. Through careful planning, financial responsibility, and dedication, I am confident I will reach my goal of becoming an airline pilot. I will remain adaptable and open to various opportunities within aviation to ensure success.

A great book-to-film adaptation does more than just translate words into visuals; it breathes life into beloved characters, settings, and themes while respecting the essence of the original work. For me, no adaptation achieves this better than Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy, based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic novels. These films are special not only because of their cinematic excellence but because they capture the heart of Tolkien’s storytelling, bridging the gap between reading and viewing in a way that feels both faithful and fresh. When I read The Lord of the Rings, I was captivated by Tolkien’s intricate world-building. His detailed descriptions of Middle-earth, from the rolling hills of the Shire to the fiery depths of Mount Doom, made it feel like a real place. However, as immersive as the books were, they required patience. Tolkien’s writing is dense, often pausing for pages at a time to explore historical lore or poetry. While I appreciated this depth, it sometimes made the pacing feel slow. The films, however, streamlined the narrative while maintaining the essence of the story. By condensing some of the denser sections and focusing on character-driven moments, Jackson made Middle-earth more accessible to a wider audience without sacrificing its richness. One of the most remarkable aspects of the adaptation is how it brings the characters to life. In the books, Frodo Baggins is portrayed as a determined yet increasingly burdened protagonist, but it was not until I saw Elijah Wood’s performance that I fully grasped the depth of Frodo’s struggle. The visual medium allowed me to see his exhaustion, fear, and resolve in a way that words alone could not capture. Similarly, Viggo Mortensen’s portrayal of Aragorn added a layer of vulnerability and doubt that made his transformation into a king feel even more powerful. These performances helped bridge the gap between my imagination and a tangible reality, making the emotional weight of the journey even more profound. Another way the films enriched my reading experience was through their visual storytelling. Tolkien describes Middle-earth in detail but seeing it on screen—brought to life with stunning landscapes, masterful set design, and groundbreaking special effects—added a new dimension to my appreciation of his world. The towering peaks of the Misty Mountains, the haunting beauty of Lothlorien, and the dark, menacing presence of Mordor all felt as if they had leapt directly from the pages. The films also used cinematography and music to enhance the emotional impact of key moments. Howard Shore’s sweeping score became the soundtrack to my imagination, making future readings of the book even more immersive as I could hear the echoes of the films in my mind. The most important way The Lord of the Rings films bridged the gap between reading and viewing was in how they captured the story’s core themes—friendship, courage, sacrifice, and hope. While some plot points were altered or condensed, the heart of Tolkien’s work remained intact. The emotional resonance of Sam’s unwavering loyalty to Frodo, the bittersweet farewell at the Grey Havens, and the idea that even the smallest person can change the course of the future were all brought to life in a way that felt deeply authentic. The films did not just adapt the books; they honored them. The Lord of the Rings is the perfect example of how a book-to-film adaptation can enhance rather than replace the original work. It deepened my love for Tolkien’s writing, gave me a new appreciation for storytelling, and proved that, when done with care and passion, adaptations can be just as powerful as the books that inspire them.

Why I am a Fan of Wicked Musicals have a unique way of telling stories—through song, emotion, and grand spectacle—but few do it as brilliantly as Wicked. Since its Broadway debut in 2003, Wicked has captured the hearts of millions, including mine. More than just a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, Wicked redefines the classic story by shifting the focus to the misunderstood Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba. The musical is a masterpiece of storytelling, character development, and powerful themes, all of which make it an unforgettable experience. One of the reasons I love Wicked is its fresh perspective on a familiar tale. The original Wizard of Oz portrays the Wicked Witch as a purely evil antagonist, but Wicked challenges that idea. It explores Elphaba’s background, revealing that she was never truly wicked—only different, misunderstood, and judged unfairly because of her green skin and independent spirit. The musical highlights how society can twist perception, turning someone into a villain simply because they do not conform. This deeper look into Elphaba’s life makes her an incredibly relatable character, especially for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider. Another reason Wicked resonates with me is its powerful friendship between Elphaba and Glinda. The two start as rivals but develop an unlikely bond that evolves throughout the show. Their friendship is full of humor, conflict, and emotional depth, making it one of the most compelling aspects of the musical. The song “For Good” beautifully captures the bittersweet nature of friendship—how people change each other’s lives in ways they might not realize until it is time to say goodbye. This theme of personal growth and acceptance is something that stays with audiences long after the final curtain falls. Beyond its story, Wicked also stands out because of its breathtaking music. Stephen Schwartz’s score is nothing short of brilliant, with songs that range from soaring ballads to playful duets. “Defying Gravity” is one of the most iconic Broadway songs of all time, serving as a powerful anthem about breaking free from expectations and embracing one’s true self. Other songs like “Popular” and “I’m Not That Girl” capture different emotional layers, making the musical an emotional rollercoaster that keeps audiences engaged from start to finish. Finally, Wicked carries themes that are both timeless and relevant. It addresses prejudice, corruption, the cost of ambition, and the way history is shaped by those in power. The story makes audiences question who the real villains and heroes are, emphasizing the idea that things are not always as black and white as they seem. In a world where people are often judged before being understood, Wicked delivers a message of empathy, courage, and the importance of standing up for what is right. Overall, Wicked is more than just a musical to me—it is an inspiring, emotional journey that redefines a classic story in a way that feels fresh and meaningful. Its stunning music, unforgettable characters, and powerful themes make it a show worth watching repeatedly. Whether you are drawn to its spectacle or its deeper message, Wicked leaves an impact on everyone who experiences it. And that is why I am such a fan.

Since I was a kid, I dreamed of soaring through the skies. While most children played with toy planes, I was reading flight manuals, fascinated by the mechanics of aviation. That passion only deepened as I grew older, but the journey to the cockpit has not been easy. During eighth and part of ninth grade, I was homeless. My family moved from North Carolina to Washington, struggling just to get by, we lived in a camper by the side of the road. School became my escape—my constant. I buried myself in books and aviation studies, knowing that education was my ticket to a better life. Despite the instability, I never let go of my dream of becoming a pilot. After high school, I earned my private pilot’s license, a milestone that proved my resilience. Now, as a student at the University of North Dakota studying commercial aviation, I am working toward my instrument and commercial ratings. The road is tough, both financially and academically, but I refuse to let adversity ground me. I am committed to giving back. I volunteer with aviation outreach programs, mentoring young students, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds—who dream of flying but do not think it’s possible. I want to be the example that says, “You can.” This scholarship would be more than just financial relief; it would be fuel for my dream. Flight training is expensive, and every dollar brings me closer to certification, closer to a future where I can inspire others. Personally, this scholarship means breaking financial barriers. Professionally, it means becoming a commercial pilot, proving that with grit and support, even a child who once had no home can one day call the skies his own. Thank you for considering my story and investing in a future pilot.

Aviation has been my passion for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I would watch planes soar overhead and dream of the day I could take to the skies myself. That dream became a reality when I earned my private pilot license after high school, and now, as a student at the University of North Dakota pursuing a degree in commercial aviation, I am fully committed to turning my passion into a profession. What draws me to aviation is not just the thrill of flight but also the responsibility and skill required to be a professional pilot. The ability to transport people safely and efficiently across the world is both a privilege and a challenge that I am eager to take on. As I work toward obtaining my instrument rating and commercial license this semester, I am continually refining my skills, discipline, and decision-making abilities that are crucial for a successful career in aviation. Beyond my personal aspirations, I aim to make a meaningful impact in the aviation industry. My long-term goal is to become a commercial airline pilot, ensuring the safe transport of passengers while inspiring the next generation of aviators. I understand the growing need for skilled pilots, especially as the industry faces challenges such as workforce shortages and advancing technology. By dedicating myself to excellence in training and continuing education, I hope to contribute to the profession’s high standards and reliability. Additionally, I am enthusiastic about mentoring aspiring pilots, particularly those who may not have easy access to aviation opportunities. Flight training is a significant financial commitment, and I understand firsthand the importance of scholarships and financial assistance. I want to give back by helping others navigate the path to becoming pilots, whether through mentorship, advocacy, or eventually participating in outreach programs that introduce young students to the world of aviation. My journey so far has reinforced my dedication to this field. From long study sessions preparing for check rides to the exhilarating moments in the cockpit, I know that aviation is where I belong. The challenges I face—whether financial or technical—only strengthen my resolve to succeed. With the support of this scholarship, I can continue my training without undue financial burden, allowing me to focus entirely on becoming the best pilot I can be. In the future, I will see myself in the captain’s seat of a commercial aircraft, guiding flights with precision and professionalism. More importantly, I see myself as an advocate for aviation education and accessibility, ensuring that others who share my passion can follow their dreams just as I have. Aviation is more than a career for me—it is a calling, and I am determined to make a lasting impact in this field.

Achieving my Private Pilot License (PPL) was one of the most meaningful accomplishments of my life. From the moment I first set foot in a cockpit, I knew aviation was my calling. However, the path to earning my wings was anything but easy. The challenges I faced along the way tested my resilience, but ultimately, they strengthened my passion and commitment to becoming an airline captain. One of my most significant struggles was learning to master the art of landings. Early in my flight training, I often found myself frustrated by inconsistent touchdowns. My instructors reminded me that precision and finesse come with practice, but self-doubt began to creep in. I vividly remember a particularly rough solo landing that left me questioning whether I had what it took to be a pilot. Instead of letting that moment define me, I doubled down on my training, sought additional feedback, and refined my technique. Over time, my landings improved, and I gained confidence in my abilities. This experience taught me that setbacks are not failures; they are stepping stones to mastery. It reinforced the importance of persistence and continuous learning—two qualities that will serve me well as I progress in my aviation career. Beyond my personal achievements, earning my PPL has given me the motivation to make a difference in the aviation community. I have shared my experiences with aspiring pilots, offering encouragement and guidance to those just beginning their journeys. I understand the financial and mental hurdles that come with flight training, and I hope to one day mentor young aviators facing similar challenges. My goal is to inspire others to pursue their dreams despite obstacles, just as I have. As I continue my studies in commercial aviation at the University of North Dakota, I am working toward my instrument and commercial ratings. Each new milestone brings fresh challenges, but my past experiences have prepared me to tackle them with determination. Looking ahead, my ultimate goal is to become an airline captain. I am driven not only by my love for flying but also by my desire to lead and support future generations of pilots. Whether it is through mentoring, advocating for safety advancements, or contributing to the industry’s growth, I am committed to leaving a lasting impact on aviation. My journey so far has taught me that success is not defined by the absence of failure but by the ability to rise above challenges and keep moving forward. The setbacks I have encountered have shaped me into a stronger, more determined individual, and they will continue to fuel my ambition. With each flight, each lesson, and each new rating, I am one step closer to achieving my dream of becoming an airline captain—and making a meaningful difference in the world of aviation.

Over the last four years my grandfather has been battling kidney failure. this has been very hard for me because my grandfather has been such a big part of my growing up. He has taught me how to fish, hunt, drive, and how important it is to get an education. I have dedicated my academics to him. While holding a job, participating in sports, volunteering for the community, I graduated top of my class with a 4.0 GPA. Also while in high school I earned my private pilots license. All these things were very difficult for me because as his kidneys kept getting worse he wasn't able to come and visit. Living almost 2000 miles away I wasn't able to see him very much. I am so glad that my grandfather got to see me graduate high school and go on to college. I picked the University of North Dakota so I could be closer to my grandfather. However, he did pass away during my first semester of school this year. It has been very hard on me that I will never get to see him again. I use his voice all the time when school gets hard. I can still here him say "if you work hard you can do anything you want". I know this is true, because watching him go through all the dialysis and how he kept being so positive. He would always tell me that know matter how much time it took to travel to dialysis that it was worth it to see his grand kids grow up and do great things. It still really hurts me to know that he wasn't able to travel to Washington to see my actual graduation, but when I went to visit him in the summer you could see it in his eyes how proud he was of everything I had accomplished from, graduating top of the class, being the league MVP for baseball, to all the community volunteering, earning my private pilots license while I was still in high school, having a job for over three years, belonging to clubs at school, and especially me continuing my career path of becoming a commercial pilot and attending the University of North Dakota. I thank you for this opportunity to apply for your scholarship, it would greatly help with all the extra costs of an aviation student. With the extra costs of using the simulators and the usage of the planes.

Most kids go into senior year with little to no idea of what they want to do. I am not like most kids, as I found my purpose at a very early age. My grandpa had a friend who was a pilot and he took me for a flight. It was a cool day in the spring of 2012, I walked around the plane with him as he did his preflight checks He showed me everything you have to do before takeoff, touching every inch of the plane, making sure the ailerons, flaps, rudder and propeller were all in tip top shape. As we finished our preflight inspection, I knew this was my calling, as the most boring part of the flight had me intrigued and captivated. From that one fateful day I have dedicated my life to learning about and pursuing aviation. This concept of gliding through the air with the elegance of an eagle has always had me intrigued. Every time I think or talk about aviation I lose all sense of time. There have been instances where I would be doing research on aviation for 3-4 hours and it felt like 10 minutes. I love talking about this topic, it is an endless conversation. When I was younger my mom would ask me aviation questions, because she loved watching as I would ramble on and on about aviation and my dream of flying her in a 737 one day. Even before I took the controls for the first time I was always fascinated by flying. This fascination is what drives me to dedicate my life to learning and growing in the world of aviation. The captivation that began when I was a kid is one of the many reasons why I am pursuing my interest in aviation. I see myself succeeding and being able to fulfill my dreams of becoming a pilot. While my passion for aviation helps to keep me interested and engaged, my strong work ethic and ability to stay organized gives me the means to succeed at pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Commercial Aviation. While I am still early in my journey and career of being a pilot, I foresee myself at the controls as the plane rockets down the runway, then leaps off the ground and begins gliding through the air. Each time I go down that runway I would get one step closer to the dream of becoming a professional pilot. I have started the first steps in accomplishing my goals by taking private pilot lessons. I currently have to drive over an hour each way for lessons. I completed my first solo flight earlier this year which continues to fuel my interest in flying. I have researched the variety of avenues to become an airline pilot. I am looking forward to becoming a CFI, CFII and MEI so I can share my passion with others who are interested in aviation. I live on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula which comes with many travel challenges. During my junior year this became all too apparent as my Calculus teacher suffered a life threatening medical event. She had to be airlifted to a specialty hospital in order to save her life. Had this not been an option, she would have not survived the event. I would like to return to my wonderful community as a Life Flight pilot so others do not have this opportunity taken away from them by not having pilots available.

I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to apply for your scholarship. My name is Gunner Rogers, a dedicated student, athlete, and an aspiring Flight Instructor and Airline Pilot. I am seeking financial assistance to continue my education and follow my dream of becoming a Flight Instructor and Airline Pilot. I was raised in North Carolina. My parents made the decision to move across the country to get away from the gang and drug torn city we lived in. Some of my closest friends were killed due to gang violence. After we moved to Washington, we lived in a camper for nineteen months as we struggled to get back on our feet. After we got on our feet, I rekindled my love for aviation through the Experimental Aircraft Association. When I was about eight years old when I got introduced to the world of general aviation. My grandpa knew someone who had a plane, and he took me up for a flight, where I fell in love with flying. When we moved to Washington a few years later, I took a young eagles flight which helped me get into flying and was the reason I started taking private pilot lessons. By starting these lessons, I have begun the long journey of following my dreams. I have been blessed with being able to attend a nationally ranked and renowned school for aviation, the University of North Dakota, this is where I will receive my certified flight instructor certificate and most of the needed training to become an Airline Pilot. While there are countless hours of work to be put into achieving my dream, I am familiar with putting in the work that is needed to get things done. I was honored to be elected senior coordinator for the QVS Auction where I helped to set up a record- breaking year for the auction making almost $170,000 in two days. I spent endless hours finding businesses to go to and coordinating who should approach which businesses. On top of this I spent numerous hours keeping a perfect GPA, getting the best test scores in my class, and volunteering in my community. I was part of Future Career and Community Leaders of America, and National Honors Society where we would go and volunteer at the local food bank, churches, or even just at the school. I also participated in activities inside and outside of high school such as being a three- sport athlete and team captain, being an officer for multiple different clubs in school, and I was a member of Experimental Aircraft Association. This has lead me to continue participating in many activities even though I am not even two months into my first semester at college as I felt the need to continue to become a leader in college as well, as I want to make a difference no matter where I am or what I am doing.

I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to apply for your scholarship. My name is Gunner Rogers, a dedicated student, athlete, and an aspiring Flight Instructor and Airline Pilot. I am seeking financial assistance to continue my education and follow my dream of becoming a Flight Instructor and Airline Pilot. I was raised in North Carolina. My parents made the decision to move across the country to get away from the gang and drug torn city we lived in. Some of my closest friends were killed due to gang violence. After we moved to Washington, we lived in a camper for nineteen months as we struggled to get back on our feet. After we got on our feet, I rekindled my love for aviation through the Experimental Aircraft Association. When I was about eight years old when I got introduced to the world of general aviation. My grandpa knew someone who had a plane, and he took me up for a flight, where I fell in love with flying. When we moved to Washington a few years later, I took a young eagles flight which helped me get into flying and was the reason I started taking private pilot lessons. By starting these lessons, I have begun the long journey of following my dreams. I have been blessed with being able to attend a nationally ranked and renowned school for aviation, the University of North Dakota, this is where I will receive my certified flight instructor certificate and most of the needed training to become an Airline Pilot. While there are countless hours of work to be put into achieving my dream, I am familiar with putting in the work that is needed to get things done. I was honored to be elected senior coordinator for the QVS Auction where I helped to set up a record- breaking year for the auction making almost $170,000 in two days. I spent endless hours finding businesses to go to and coordinating who should approach which businesses. On top of this I spent numerous hours keeping a perfect GPA, getting the best test scores in my class, and volunteering in my community. I was part of Future Career and Community Leaders of America, and National Honors Society where we would go and volunteer at the local food bank, churches, or even just at the school. I also participated in activities inside and outside of high school such as being a three- sport athlete and team captain, being an officer for multiple different clubs in school, and I was a member of Experimental Aircraft Association. This has lead me to continue participating in many activities even though I am not even two months into my first semester at college as I felt the need to continue to become a leader in college as well, as I want to make a difference no matter where I am or what I am doing.

I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to apply for your scholarship. My name is Gunner Rogers, a dedicated student, athlete, and an aspiring Flight Instructor and Airline Pilot. I am seeking financial assistance to continue my education and follow my dream of becoming a Flight Instructor and Airline Pilot. I was raised in North Carolina. My parents made the decision to move across the country to get away from the gang and drug torn city we lived in. Some of my closest friends were killed due to gang violence. After we moved to Washington, we lived in a camper for nineteen months as we struggled to get back on our feet. After we got on our feet, I rekindled my love for aviation through the Experimental Aircraft Association. When I was about eight years old when I got introduced to the world of general aviation. My grandpa knew someone who had a plane, and he took me up for a flight, where I fell in love with flying. When we moved to Washington a few years later, I took a young eagles flight which helped me get into flying and was the reason I started taking private pilot lessons. By starting these lessons, I have begun the long journey of following my dreams. I have been blessed with being able to attend a nationally ranked and renowned school for aviation, the University of North Dakota, this is where I will receive my certified flight instructor certificate and most of the needed training to become an Airline Pilot. While there are countless hours of work to be put into achieving my dream, I am familiar with putting in the work that is needed to get things done. I was honored to be elected senior coordinator for the QVS Auction where I helped to set up a record- breaking year for the auction making almost $170,000 in two days. I spent endless hours finding businesses to go to and coordinating who should approach which businesses. On top of this I spent numerous hours keeping a perfect GPA, getting the best test scores in my class, and volunteering in my community. I was part of Future Career and Community Leaders of America, and National Honors Society where we would go and volunteer at the local food bank, churches, or even just at the school. I also participated in activities inside and outside of high school such as being a three- sport athlete and team captain, being an officer for multiple different clubs in school, and I was a member of Experimental Aircraft Association. This has lead me to continue participating in many activities even though I am not even two months into my first semester at college as I felt the need to continue to become a leader in college as well, as I want to make a difference no matter where I am or what I am doing.

I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to apply for your scholarship. My name is Gunner Rogers, a dedicated student, athlete, and an aspiring Flight Instructor. I am seeking financial assistance to continue my education and follow my dream of becoming a Flight Instructor and Life Flight Pilot. I was raised in North Carolina. My parents made the decision to move across the country to get away from the gang and drug torn city we lived in. Some of my closest friends were killed due to gang violence. After we moved to Washington, we lived in a camper for nineteen months as we struggled to get back on our feet. After we got on our feet, I was able to start private pilot lessons. By starting these lessons, I have begun the long journey of following my dreams. Since high school I am now attending the University of North Dakota, which is a nationally ranked and renowned school for aviation, this is where I will receive my certified flight instructor certificate and training to become a Life Flight Pilot. While there are countless hours of work to be put into achieving my dream, there is another factor, the price tag. This is the reason I was honored to be elected senior coordinator for the QVS Auction so I could help to set up a record-breaking year for the auction. I spent endless hours making lists and organizing who should approach which businesses. I spend hours keeping a perfect GPA, getting great test scores, and volunteering in my community. I participate in activities inside and outside of school. During my journey of becoming a pilot, I have participated in football, baseball, wrestled, FCCLA, chess club, EAA, National Honor Society, and a part time job. So, probably the hardest thing was doing all this and trying to make friends after moving across the country. But doing all this has helped me with my time management skills. With the extra price tag associated with aviation. I have also picked up a job the last three years, along with all of my other activities at school, volunteering, and graduating valedictorian. I was hoping my achievements would allow me to get the help I need to follow and achieve my dreams of becoming a Flight Instructor and Life Flight Pilot. So I wanted to take this time and thank you for the opportunity to earn this scholarship and help pay some of the extra costs of being an aviation student.

Most kids go into senior year with little to no idea of what they want to do. I am not like most kids, as I found my purpose at a very early age. My grandpa had a friend who was a pilot and he took me for a flight. It was a cool day in the spring of 2012, I walked around the plane with him as he did his preflight checks He showed me everything you have to do before takeoff, touching every inch of the plane, making sure the ailerons, flaps, rudder and propeller were all in tip top shape. As we finished our preflight inspection, I knew this was my calling, as the most boring part of the flight had me intrigued and captivated. From that one fateful day I have dedicated my life to learning about and pursuing aviation. This concept of gliding through the air with the elegance of an eagle has always had me intrigued. Every time I think or talk about aviation I lose all sense of time. There have been instances where I would be doing research on aviation for 3-4 hours and it felt like 10 minutes. I love talking about this topic, it is an endless conversation. When I was younger my mom would ask me aviation questions, because she loved watching as I would ramble on and on about aviation and my dream of flying her in a 737 one day. Even before I took the controls for the first time I was always fascinated by flying. This fascination is what drives me to dedicate my life to learning and growing in the world of aviation. The captivation that began when I was a kid is one of the many reasons why I am pursuing my interest in aviation. I see myself succeeding and being able to fulfill my dreams of becoming a pilot. While my passion for aviation helps to keep me interested and engaged, my strong work ethic and ability to stay organized gives me the means to succeed at pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Commercial Aviation. While I am still early in my journey and career of being a pilot, I foresee myself at the controls as the plane rockets down the runway, then leaps off the ground and begins gliding through the air. Each time I go down that runway I would get one step closer to the dream of becoming a professional pilot. I have started the first steps in accomplishing my goals by taking private pilot lessons. I currently have to drive over an hour each way for lessons. I completed my first solo flight earlier this year which continues to fuel my interest in flying. I have researched the variety of avenues to become an airline pilot. I am looking forward to becoming a CFI, CFII and MEI so I can share my passion with others who are interested in aviation. I want to join the Air Force or the Air National Guard after I graduate with my bacholars degree in commercial aviation.

Ever since I can remember I have always wanted to be an airline pilot. I thought it was a long shot for the longest time, until I began my flight training and I realized that it is not that far- fetched. I started my flight training at a nearby flight school, where I had to drive an hour each way for a lesson. I worked hard and studied on days I was unable to make it in, this allowed me to reach my first milestone in my journey of reaching my goal of becoming an airline pilot. I received my private pilot license in the summer of 2024 and I am attending the University of North Dakota this Fall of 2024. This is where I will continue my academic journey in aviation. In the coming fall I will be working on getting my instrument rating, and then begin working towards my commercial and multi-engine ratings and license. After I complete my academic aviation goals and graduate from the University of North Dakota, I will start my professional goals by becoming a flight instructor and give back to the aviation community just like my instructor did. I plan on coming back to my hometown and beginning my own flight school in my town so other aspiring pilots can get their licenses and not have to have the burden of driving an hour each way just to follow their dreams. I am sad to say I have seen numerous fellow pilots give up because they don’t have the time or extra money to pay for gas and drive the extra two hours for a flight. After I have started my own flight school and I feel I have helped my community I will expand the business and add more flight instructors, and when I reach the necessary hours I will begin my academic training again and work to reach my ultimate academic and professional goal of becoming an airline pilot. While being an airline pilot is my ultimate dream, my passion to help those in the community may surpass that dream and I will stay local to help aspiring pilots young, old, rich, or poor, and give them easy access to learning how to fly. It pains me to see fellow pilots' dreams die off because of the location of our town, so if I can be blessed with an opportunity to help them it would be even better than becoming an airline pilot and this would not only be my professional goal but my lifelong passion.

Most kids go into senior year with little to no idea of what they want to do. I am not like most kids, as I found my purpose at a very early age. My grandpa had a friend who was a pilot and he took me for a flight. It was a cool day in the spring of 2012, I walked around the plane with him as he did his preflight checks He showed me everything you have to do before takeoff, touching every inch of the plane, making sure the ailerons, flaps, rudder and propeller were all in tip top shape. As we finished our preflight inspection, I knew this was my calling, as the most boring part of the flight had me intrigued and captivated. From that one fateful day I have dedicated my life to learning about and pursuing aviation. This concept of gliding through the air with the elegance of an eagle has always had me intrigued. Every time I think or talk about aviation I lose all sense of time. There have been instances where I would be doing research on aviation for 3-4 hours and it felt like 10 minutes. I love talking about this topic, it is an endless conversation. When I was younger my mom would ask me aviation questions, because she loved watching as I would ramble on and on about aviation and my dream of flying her in a 737 one day. Even before I took the controls for the first time I was always fascinated by flying. This fascination is what drives me to dedicate my life to learning and growing in the world of aviation. The captivation that began when I was a kid is one of the many reasons why I am pursuing my interest in aviation. I see myself succeeding and being able to fulfill my dreams of becoming a pilot. While my passion for aviation helps to keep me interested and engaged, my strong work ethic and ability to stay organized gives me the means to succeed at pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Commercial Aviation. While I am still early in my journey and career of being a pilot, I foresee myself at the controls as the plane rockets down the runway, then leaps off the ground and begins gliding through the air. Each time I go down that runway I would get one step closer to the dream of becoming a professional pilot. I have started the first steps in accomplishing my goals by taking private pilot lessons. I currently have to drive over an hour each way for lessons. I completed my first solo flight earlier this year which continues to fuel my interest in flying. I have researched the variety of avenues to become an airline pilot. I am looking forward to becoming a CFI, CFII and MEI so I can share my passion with others who are interested in aviation. I live on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula which comes with many travel challenges. During my junior year this became all too apparent as my Calculus teacher suffered a life threatening medical event. She had to be airlifted to a speciality hospital in order to save her life. Had this not been an option, she would have not survived the event. I would like to return to my wonderful community as a Life Flight pilot so others do not have this opportunity taken away from them by not having pilots available.

Most kids go into senior year with little to no idea of what they want to do. I am not like most kids, as I found my purpose at a very early age. My grandpa had a friend who was a pilot and he took me for a flight. It was a cool day in the spring of 2012, I walked around the plane with him as he did his preflight checks He showed me everything you have to do before takeoff, touching every inch of the plane, making sure the ailerons, flaps, rudder and propeller were all in tip top shape. As we finished our preflight inspection, I knew this was my calling, as the most boring part of the flight had me intrigued and captivated. From that one fateful day I have dedicated my life to learning about and pursuing aviation. This concept of gliding through the air with the elegance of an eagle has always had me intrigued. Every time I think or talk about aviation I lose all sense of time. There have been instances where I would be doing research on aviation for 3-4 hours and it felt like 10 minutes. I love talking about this topic, it is an endless conversation. When I was younger my mom would ask me aviation questions, because she loved watching as I would ramble on and on about aviation and my dream of flying her in a 737 one day. Even before I took the controls for the first time I was always fascinated by flying. This fascination is what drives me to dedicate my life to learning and growing in the world of aviation. The captivation that began when I was a kid is one of the many reasons why I am pursuing my interest in aviation. I see myself succeeding and being able to fulfill my dreams of becoming a pilot. While my passion for aviation helps to keep me interested and engaged, my strong work ethic and ability to stay organized gives me the means to succeed at pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Commercial Aviation. While I am still early in my journey and career of being a pilot, I foresee myself at the controls as the plane rockets down the runway, then leaps off the ground and begins gliding through the air. Each time I go down that runway I would get one step closer to the dream of becoming a professional pilot. I have started the first steps in accomplishing my goals by taking private pilot lessons. I currently have to drive over an hour each way for lessons. I completed my first solo flight earlier this year which continues to fuel my interest in flying. I have researched the variety of avenues to become an airline pilot. I am looking forward to becoming a CFI, CFII and MEI so I can share my passion with others who are interested in aviation. I live on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula which comes with many travel challenges. During my junior year this became all too apparent as my Calculus teacher suffered a life threatening medical event. She had to be airlifted to a speciality hospital in order to save her life. Had this not been an option, she would have not survived the event. I would like to return to my wonderful community as a Life Flight pilot so others do not have this opportunity taken away from them by not having pilots available.

Most kids go into senior year with little to no idea of what they want to do. I am not like most kids, as I found my purpose at a very early age. My grandpa had a friend who was a pilot and he took me for a flight. It was a cool day in the spring of 2012, I walked around the plane with him as he did his preflight checks He showed me everything you have to do before takeoff, touching every inch of the plane, making sure the ailerons, flaps, rudder and propeller were all in tip top shape. As we finished our preflight inspection, I knew this was my calling, as the most boring part of the flight had me intrigued and captivated. From that one fateful day I have dedicated my life to learning about and pursuing aviation. This concept of gliding through the air with the elegance of an eagle has always had me intrigued. Every time I think or talk about aviation I lose all sense of time. There have been instances where I would be doing research on aviation for 3-4 hours and it felt like 10 minutes. I love talking about this topic, it is an endless conversation. This fascination is what drives me to dedicate my life to learning and growing in the world of aviation. The captivation that began when I was a kid is one of the many reasons why I am pursuing my interest in aviation. I see myself succeeding and being able to fulfill my dreams of becoming a pilot. While my passion for aviation helps to keep me interested and engaged, my strong work ethic and ability to stay organized gives me the means to succeed at pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Commercial Aviation. I live on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula which comes with many travel challenges. During my junior year this became all too apparent as my Calculus teacher suffered a life threatening medical event. She had to be airlifted to a speciality hospital in order to save her life. Had this not been an option, she would have not survived the event. I would like to return to my wonderful community as a Life Flight pilot so others do not have this opportunity taken away from them by not having pilots available.

My favorite athlete to cheer for Team USA this year was Jordan Larson of the Women's National Volleyball team. She has an awesome background, growing up in a super small town in Nebraska. Hooper, Nebraska has less than 800 people living there. Jordan has competed in 4 Olympic Games and has won 4 medals. She helped Team USA receive their first Gold medal in women's volleyball in Japan. It is amazing that Jordan is still playing at the age of 37 at such a high level as the Olympic Games. Even though she is not a regular starter she is still a very important part of the team. Jordan can still come in and be a factor with her hitting, blocking, and especially her serving skills. Also, watching her on the sideline cheering on her teammates and providing that leadership on and off the court. Again, the reason I chose Jordan Larson as my favorite athlete to cheer for on Team USA. Is her ambition, drive, and impact that she has on her team. Whether she is on the sideline or on the court she has the leadership and skills to help her team compete for medals. Jordan has helped Team USA win a bronze, two silvers, and the GOLD!!!

Leadership has been a major factor in my life. Ever since I can remember I have played sports. Even while playing sports at a young age there was always someone who played the role of captain or a leader. The people who played this role have changed my life, as even when I was little I realized that these were the people I could look up to and trust. At a very young age I decided I was going to follow in their footsteps and be a leader in my community. After I decided to be a leader I became a football, baseball, and chess team captain allowing me to make a reputable name for myself in the community. Based on my reputation, I was elected Senior Coordinator for the local scholarship auction. This was a blessing and a curse, as I was given the opportunity to help my community and fellow peers, but it forced me to juggle working a nearly full time job, flying lessons, school, and sports while raising money and collecting donations for the auction. While this was incredibly time consuming, with the help of my peers and the community, we were able to raise $167,780 to help alumni follow their dreams and further their education with these funds. While the auction might have been my highlight, I have had the blessing to help out in the community by collecting food, clothes, furniture, and distributing it to the less fortunate, along with raising money to help those who need prosthetics afford them. While I do enjoy giving back to the community, sometimes it takes determination to keep doing it. A few years ago the community got so much rain that the town began to flood. When the flooding began my friends and I got together and decided we were going to help. We, along with the other volunteers, began filling and moving sandbags to divert the water away from people's homes until the rain stopped. After the rain and flooding subsided, we went to work on helping those in need fix their homes. We spent numerous hours underneath houses and around them fixing insulation, floors, and siding. This took determination as while it was for a good cause it was hard work that pushed us and the community to the limits, but in the end the community held strong due to the leadership and determination within it.

Ever since I can remember I have always wanted to be an airline pilot. I thought it was a long shot for the longest time, until I began my flight training and I realized that it is not that far-fetched. I started my flight training at a nearby flight school, where I had to drive an hour each way for a lesson. I worked hard and studied on days I was unable to make it in, this allowed me to reach my first milestone in my journey of reaching my goal of becoming an airline pilot. I received my private pilot license in the summer of 2024 and then I will be attending the University of North Dakota in the fall of 2024. This is where I will continue my academic journey in aviation. In the coming fall I will be working on getting my instrument rating, and then begin working towards my commercial and multi-engine ratings and license. After I complete my academic aviation goals and graduate from the University of North Dakota, I will start my professional goals by becoming a flight instructor and give back to the aviation community just like my instructor did. I plan on coming back to my hometown and beginning my own flight school in my town so other aspiring pilots can get their licenses and not have to have the burden of driving an hour each way just to follow their dreams. I am sad to say I have seen numerous fellow pilots give up because they don’t have the time or extra money to pay for gas and drive the extra two hours for a flight. After I have started my own flight school and I feel I have helped my community I will expand the business and add more flight instructors, and when I reach the necessary hours I will begin my academic training again and work to reach my ultimate academic and professional goal of becoming an airline pilot. While being an airline pilot is my ultimate dream, my passion to help those in the community may surpass that dream and I will stay local to help aspiring pilots young, old, rich, or poor, and give them easy access to learning how to fly. It pains me to see fellow pilots’ dreams die off because of the location of our town, so if I can be blessed with an opportunity to help them it would be even better than becoming an airline pilot and this would not only be my professional goal but my lifelong passion.

Ever since I can remember I have always wanted to be an airline pilot. I thought it was a long shot for the longest time, until I began my flight training and I realized that it is not that far- fetched. I started my flight training at a nearby flight school, where I had to drive an hour each way for a lesson. I worked hard and studied on days I was unable to make it in, this allowed me to reach my first milestone in my journey of reaching my goal of becoming an airline pilot. I received my private pilot license in the summer of 2024 and then I will be attending the University of North Dakota in the fall of 2024. This is where I will continue my academic journey in aviation. In the coming fall I will be working on getting my instrument rating, and then begin working towards my commercial and multi-engine ratings and license. After I complete my academic aviation goals and graduate from the University of North Dakota, I will start my professional goals by becoming a flight instructor and give back to the aviation community just like my instructor did. I plan on coming back to my hometown and beginning my own flight school in my town so other aspiring pilots can get their licenses and not have to have the burden of driving an hour each way just to follow their dreams. I am sad to say I have seen numerous fellow pilots give up because they don’t have the time or extra money to pay for gas and drive the extra two hours for a flight. After I have started my own flight school and I feel I have helped my community I will expand the business and add more flight instructors, and when I reach the necessary hours I will begin my academic training again and work to reach my ultimate academic and professional goal of becoming an airline pilot. While being an airline pilot is my ultimate dream, my passion to help those in the community may surpass that dream and I will stay local to help aspiring pilots young, old, rich, or poor, and give them easy access to learning how to fly. It pains me to see fellow pilots' dreams die off because of the location of our town, so if I can be blessed with an opportunity to help them it would be even better than becoming an airline pilot and this would not only be my professional goal but my lifelong passion.

I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to apply for your scholarship. My name is Gunner Rogers, a dedicated student, athlete, and an aspiring Flight Instructor. I am seeking financial assistance to continue my education and follow my dream of becoming a Flight Instructor and Life Flight Pilot. I was raised in North Carolina. I played soccer, football, and baseball during grade school. I excelled in my academics, so Duke University had me take the ACT during my 7th grade to see where I stood. Then my parents made the decision to move across the country to get away from the gang and drug torn city we lived in. Some of my closest friends were killed due to gang violence. After we moved to Washington, we lived in a camper for nineteen months as we struggled to get back on our feet. After we got on our feet, I was able to start private pilot lessons. By starting these lessons, I have begun the long journey of following my dreams. After high school I will go to the University of North Dakota, which is a nationally ranked and renowned school for aviation, this is where I will receive my certified flight instructor certificate and training to become a Life Flight Pilot. While working on getting my private pilot's license I have to drive an hour and half each way for my lessons. I also started up a study group with some other pilots and students which we meet every other week. This has made it extremely hard to manage my time with playing baseball and football, doing school work, and keeping my job. I have still managed to graduate with a 4.0 GPA and top of my class. While there are countless hours of work to be put into achieving my dream, there is another factor, the price tag. This is the reason I was honored to be elected senior coordinator for the Quillayute Valley Schools Auction so I could help to set up a record-breaking year for the auction. I spent endless hours making lists and organizing who should approach which businesses. I spend hours keeping a perfect GPA, getting great test scores, and volunteering in my community. I participate in activities inside and outside of school while also holding a job for the last three years. I was hoping my achievements would allow me to get the help I need to follow and achieve my dreams of becoming a Flight Instructor and Life Flight Pilot.

Most kids go into senior year with little to no idea of what they want to do. I am not like most kids, as I found my purpose at a very early age. My grandpa had a friend who was a pilot and he took me for a flight. It was a cool day in the spring of 2012, I walked around the plane with him as he did his preflight checks He showed me everything you have to do before takeoff, touching every inch of the plane, making sure the ailerons, flaps, rudder and propeller were all in tip top shape. As we finished our preflight inspection, I knew this was my calling, as the most boring part of the flight had me intrigued and captivated. From that one fateful day I have dedicated my life to learning about and pursuing aviation. This concept of gliding through the air with the elegance of an eagle has always had me intrigued. Every time I think or talk about aviation I lose all sense of time. There have been instances where I would be doing research on aviation for 3-4 hours and it felt like 10 minutes. I love talking about this topic, it is an endless conversation. When I was younger my mom would ask me aviation questions, because she loved watching as I would ramble on and on about aviation and my dream of flying her in a 737 one day. Even before I took the controls for the first time I was always fascinated by flying. This fascination is what drives me to dedicate my life to learning and growing in the world of aviation. The captivation that began when I was a kid is one of the many reasons why I am pursuing my interest in aviation. I see myself succeeding and being able to fulfill my dreams of becoming a pilot. While my passion for aviation helps to keep me interested and engaged, my strong work ethic and ability to stay organized gives me the means to succeed at pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Commercial Aviation. While I am still early in my journey and career of being a pilot, I foresee myself at the controls as the plane rockets down the runway, then leaps off the ground and begins gliding through the air. Each time I go down that runway I would get one step closer to the dream of becoming a professional pilot. I have started the first steps in accomplishing my goals by taking private pilot lessons. I currently have to drive over an hour each way for lessons. I completed my first solo flight earlier this year which continues to fuel my interest in flying. I have researched the variety of avenues to become an airline pilot. I am looking forward to becoming a CFI, CFII and MEI so I can share my passion with others who are interested in aviation. I live on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula which comes with many travel challenges. During my junior year this became all too apparent as my Calculus teacher suffered a life threatening medical event. She had to be airlifted to a speciality hospital in order to save her life. Had this not been an option, she would have not survived the event. I would like to return to my wonderful community as a Life Flight pilot so others do not have this opportunity taken away from them by not having pilots available.

I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to apply for your scholarship. My name is Gunner Elway Rogers, a dedicated student, athlete, and an aspiring Flight Instructor. I am seeking financial assistance to continue my education and follow my dream of becoming a Flight Instructor and Life Flight Pilot. I was raised in North Carolina. My parents made the decision to move across the country to get away from the gang and drug torn city we lived in. Some of my closest friends were killed due to gang violence. After we moved to Washington, we lived in a camper for nineteen months as we struggled to get back on our feet. I started to work a part time job to help the family out financially. After we got on our feet, I started looking at different flight schools. We were informed that besides the cost of tuition and housing, students will spend about $100,000 more for their flight fees. I knew that this would be very difficult for my family and I to cover this extra cost. I did some work and found out that if I get my private pilot license before I go to school it would save about $20,000. I was able to start private pilot lessons. By starting these lessons, I have begun the long journey of following my dreams. After high school I will go to the University of North Dakota, which is a nationally ranked and renowned school for aviation, this is where I will receive my certified flight instructor certificate and training to become a Life Flight Pilot. I knew if I wanted to become a student at University of North Dakota, that I would need to keep getting good grades. I had to work on my time management, since I was going to school, playing three sports, taking pilot lessons, and holding a job. I have managed to keep a 4.0 GPA, I am going to graduate Valedictorian of my class this summer. I feel that this is my biggest accomplishment, it was way harder than all my other awards I have received for playing sports. I have really enjoyed my new community here in Washington. With the little bit of time I still have available, I wanted to give back. I have also volunteered at some of the local organizations in town. I have helped with the food bank, tutoring other students at my high school, FCCLA, been apart of my youth group at church, LINK leader, chess club, student council, NHS, and clothing drives. It has been amazing to be able to give back to the community that has accepted me. This past year has been the hardest by far. I am averaging 25-30 hours a week at work, playing three sports, volunteering, going to school, and driving just over 2 hours round trip to work on my private pilots license. All of this has shown me that I can accomplish anything I set out to do. Even though I have a lot of work still ahead of me, I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. I have set my goal and I am achieving it too. While there are countless hours of work to be put into achieving my dream, there is another factor, the price tag. This is the reason I was honored to be elected senior coordinator for the Quillayute Valley Senior Auction so I could help to set up a record-breaking year for the auction. I spent endless hours making lists and organizing who should approach which businesses. I spent hours keeping a perfect GPA, getting great test scores, and volunteering in my community. I participate in activities inside and outside of school. I was hoping my achievements would allow me to get the help I need to follow and achieve my dreams of becoming a Flight Instructor and Life Flight Pilot.