First, I want to sincerely thank Mr. Rairdan’s family and friends for their donations to honor his legacy and make this scholarship opportunity possible. My interest in aviation comes from a path that’s a little different from many others entering this field. From a young age, I was captivated by the sky. When I was nine years old, I remember lying in my backyard watching the Perseid meteor shower, mesmerized by the shooting stars and constellations. That night, a passion sparked. I convinced my parents to buy me a telescope so I could explore the sky night after night, feeding a growing fascination with space and everything beyond Earth. My passion for astronomy inspired me to explore different careers in the aerospace industry, one path in particular: becoming a pilot. I took my first discovery flight, and although it gave my stomach a workout, the thrill of flying was unlike anything I’d ever experienced. Another passion sparked: flying. Today, as I graduate from high school, I’m preparing to attend the University of Nebraska Omaha, majoring in Professional Flight with a minor in Astronomy. Last October, I began flight training at Colorado Air and Space Port, and since then, I’ve logged 39 flight hours, flown my first solo, passed my FAA Knowledge Exam, and earned my First Class Medical certificate. My next steps for flight training are to pursue my Instrument, Commercial, and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certifications in college, with the goal of joining a collegiate airline program like United Aviate or Southwest 225°. These partnerships will help launch my career, giving me the opportunity to build hours toward my Restricted ATP, and once I graduate from college, I will eventually fly for a regional airline. My fascination with space exploration overlaps with my passion for flying. I see aviation as a stepping stone to the future of aerospace innovation, whether through safer, more efficient aircraft or the expansion of human flight beyond Earth. I want to be part of the next generation of pilots who push the limits of what’s possible, making space more accessible and flying more sustainably. Whether that’s flying electric Airbus A-350s or SpaceX Starships, I’m eager to contribute to and experience the future of aviation and be at the forefront of the aerospace industry. Though this would require focus and dedication, and does pose a great financial strain, I am focused and determined to figure out a way to make this goal possible. A notable example of how I’m involved in my community is volunteering for a student mental health awareness organization: “The Happy Crew.” In high school, I witnessed many of my peers and close friends silently grapple with mental health struggles—depression, anxiety, and stress—often feeling isolated and misunderstood. What struck me the most was how these issues were often dismissed or overlooked, as if mental health wasn’t something worth talking about in the society I grew up in. This motivated me to get more involved in my community. Every week, the club volunteers provide a safe and inclusive space for students to openly discuss mental health and stress without fear of judgment. I believe my passion for aviation, my determination to achieve my goals, and my commitment to my community make me a strong candidate for this scholarship. The cost of flight training so far has been very expensive, and I have no doubt it will continue to increase throughout college. I would be honored to receive the Kyle Rairdan Memorial Scholarship, as this support would help me continue pursuing my aspirations in aviation. Thank you for your consideration.

Hello, my name is Kishan Vahalia. I am currently a senior at Rock Canyon High School, a competitive sharpshooter for Colorado State University 4H, a mental health advocate for The Happy Crew Non-Profit, and an aspiring pilot, currently accruing hours toward my private pilot license. So far, I have around 30 flight hours, completed my first solo, passed my FAA Written Exam, and currently hold a First Class Medical. I am also enrolled and have taken specific aviation courses at Metropolitan State University of Denver. My curiosity about flying truly ignited at a young age, during my first international flight. When I boarded the plane, the pilot invited me into the cockpit. As I stepped into that glowing chamber of switches, screens, and controls, I felt as though I had stepped into a realm, like a futuristic spacecraft out of a movie. That spark of wonder never faded, instead pushing me to experience flight myself. Fast forward over a decade later, and here I am, proving that flying isn’t a dream, but rather a passion that I’m determined to pursue as a career. Aviation is just the beginning of my aspirations. My fascination with space exploration overlaps with my passion for flying. I see aviation as a stepping stone to the future of aerospace innovation, whether through safer, more efficient aircraft or the expansion of human flight beyond Earth. I want to be part of the next generation of pilots who push the limits of what’s possible, making space more accessible and flying more sustainable. Whether that be flying electric Airbus A350s, to flying SpaceX’s Starship, I’m eager to contribute to and experience the future of aviation and being at the forefront of the aerospace industry. Pursuing this dream has been exhilarating, yet challenging at the same time. Maintaining a 3.9 GPA in AP and Dual Enrollment Classes, leading the Colorado State Sharpshooting Team, and organizing mental health meetings for a non-profit has consumed lots of time and energy every week. Despite this packed schedule, I have learned how to efficiently manage my time, and stay resilient in stressful situations, qualities that are essential for an airline pilot to ensure the safety of passengers. The cost of flying has been expensive so far and will continue to pile on throughout college. To fund my training, I have been working as a lifeguard for three years, working between 10-15 hours each week. Additionally, I continue to search and apply for scholarships, both general and aviation-related ones. This year, I was honored as a finalist for the Wings Over The Rockies Flight Training Scholarship, the KG Aviation Scholarship, and the Arizona State University Leadership Scholarship. This scholarship would be a crucial stepping stone into my future, helping ease the expensive costs of flying and allowing me to focus entirely on my training. I hope to contribute to the future of this industry, to make our planet safer, greener, and more advanced. I am truly grateful for this opportunity and your consideration.

1.) So far I am accruing hours for my Private Pilot License, so far having around 30 hours. I have passed the FAA written test, flown my first solo, hold a first class medical certificate, flown my first solo, and have earned over 30 college credits at Metropolitan State University of Denver for their flight program, as a senior in high school. 2.) Aviation has always captivated me – the idea of conquering the skies, and exploring the world from a unique perspective. Now, I stand on the precipice of my college career, eager to transform this childhood dream into a reality, pursuing a degree in aviation with the goal of becoming an airline pilot. This fascination began when I was six years old, during my first commercial flight from Chicago to Denver. As I stepped on that plane, the pilot invited me to sit in his chair and explore the cockpit. Its intricate array of instruments and controls looked like a futuristic spaceship to my young eyes. This moment sparked a curiosity. This is when I knew I wanted to experience the thrill of flying. So far, my senior year has been a testament to the multifaceted nature of my pursuits, from college applications, to managing the rigor of AP Calculus, AP Physics, AP US Government, and other dual enrollment classes, posing a desired challenge to prepare for my future. Outside of school, I spend most of my time at the airport, accruing flight hours to earn my private pilot license. When I’m not flying, I work as a lifeguard, I’m an editor and column writer for my high school’s newspaper, I’m a member of my school’s Eco Club, and I continue to practice my shooting skills and serve as a captain of the Colorado State Air Rifle Team. I've recently developed a passion for astronomy, spending countless nights exploring the cosmos through my telescope. These nights I’ve spent observing celestial bodies have not only expanded my understanding of the universe but have also fostered a sense of wonder and a deep appreciation for our world, qualities that will continue to fuel my passion for exploration, which aviation would allow me to do. Prior to my senior year, I completed ground school and began my flight training, with the goal of achieving my private pilot license before starting college. My first flights were exhilarating, where the steep turns and stalls felt similar to an endless roller coaster full of twists and turns at 10,000 feet up in the air. Now, as I navigate traffic patterns and communicate with Air Traffic Control, I'm experiencing the growing confidence of flying, as I inch my way closer to my oral exam and my check-ride. My aspiration to become a Professional Airline Pilot extends beyond personal ambition. I aim to inspire others to pursue their passions with full dedication. I strive to demonstrate that pursuing one's passions, even those that may seem unconventional, can lead to inner-fulfillment and achievement. As an aspiring pilot, I envision contributing to a more sustainable future for aviation, advocating for environmentally responsible practices such as exploring alternative fuels and optimizing flight routes to minimize our environmental impact. I am eager to contribute to an industry that connects people and cultures while minimizing its footprint on our planet. This scholarship would not only provide valuable financial support to finish pursuing my private pilot license, but also serve as a testament to my commitment to pursue aviation in college.