Ever since I was a young kid I have loved aviation. I learned about the history of aviation by going to airshows and museums on Air Force bases. My parents inspired me to become a pilot by sharing their love of aviation with me. They have always encouraged and supported my love of flying. Both of my parents served in the United States Air Force. My dad served for 29 years and my mom served for 13 years. Despite their best efforts, neither of them were able to become pilots. That didn't stop them from having amazing careers in the military as aircrew on aircraft like the KC-10 and EC-130. Growing up hearing their stories about missions and flight operations made aviation feel personal and important to me. When I was a junior in high school I started my own personal flying journey. At the start of my flight lessons I loved how exhilarating it was to be at the controls of a real aircraft. Being in the air and knowing I was the one flying made me realize this was what I wanted to do. As I continued training, I learned that flying is not just about having fun. To be a good pilot, I needed to manage my time better and study harder than I ever had before. Learning about weather, navigation, and flight rules showed me how much responsibility comes with being in the cockpit. Being a pilot means staying prepared and making good decisions under pressure. I earned my Private Pilot License on November 11, 2025, and it was honestly one of the proudest moments of my life. My goal is to become an Air Force pilot, so I joined JROTC in high school and then ROTC in college. These programs helped me grow as a leader and taught me how to work with others. I also learned many of these skills through Boy Scouts, especially as an Eagle Scout. Through Boy Scouts, JROTC, and the Youth Advisory Council, I have been able to volunteer on both large scale and small scale projects. One project I am especially proud of is my Adopt-a-Spot program with the Corinth Community Park where I organize quarterly park clean-ups. I believe in using my strengths and skills to help others and volunteering allows me to do that. My job as a lifeguard also allows me to help others by using my first aid and life saving skills. The joy and satisfaction I feel when serving my community has directly influenced the desire I have to serve my country. I’ve always been passionate about aviation, and the experiences I’ve had so far have made me even more motivated to become a professional pilot. I know it takes a lot of hard work, discipline, and commitment, but those are challenges I enjoy taking on. During my first semester of college, I took 17 credit hours while also working part-time as a lifeguard and participating in AFROTC. Even with a busy schedule, I kept a 3.7 GPA, made the Dean’s List, and ranked number two out of more than 50 cadets. I was also recognized for my leadership and physical performance, which meant a lot to me because I put a lot of effort into everything I do. Flying is something I genuinely love, and earning my Private Pilot License only strengthened that passion. I’m excited to keep learning, pushing myself, and working toward my goal of becoming a professional pilot.

Aviation has been my passion for as long as I can remember. Both of my parents were aviators in the Air Force so I grew up around airplanes. My dad was an aircraft mechanic and then a KC-10 Flight Engineer. My mom began her career as an aircrew member on AWACS and then joined the reserves as a KC-10 Boom Operator. Both of my grandfathers are veterans as well. I love to listen to their stories about serving and how the military impacted and shaped their lives. My earliest memories are of Air Force bases, air shows, and touring aviation museums. I’ve never wanted anything other than to join the Air Force and become a pilot. I’m lucky that my parents have always encouraged my love of aviation and supported me in pursuing my dreams. From a young age, the only career I have ever considered is aviation. Although I have always wanted to be a pilot, I am also interested in aviation safety and logistics. I have been accepted into the Aviation Logistics program at the University of North Texas. I hope that a degree in aviation logistics will provide me with a background of the industry and a deeper understanding of the field. I know that pilot slots in the Air Force are highly competitive, therefore this degree will provide me with a skill set that I can use if I have to pursue other avenues. I love all aviation, but especially military aviation. I am currently working on my private pilot’s license and have about 50 hours of flight time. My short term goal is to earn my instrument rating and then my CFI and CFII while in college. I will hopefully get hired by my flight school to become an instructor so I can build hours over the next few years. My long term goal is to become an Air Force pilot and fly the new KC-46 Tanker. I am considering both active duty and the reserves at this time. Ultimately, I want to serve my country and know that the needs of the Air Force come first. I am keeping my options open in order to have the best chance at fulfilling my dreams. I come from a very patriotic family, therefore service and volunteerism are ingrained in me. I believe in using my strengths and skills to help others and volunteering allows me to do that. Through Boy Scouts, JROTC, and my local Youth Advisory Council, I have been able to volunteer on both large scale and small scale projects. For my Eagle Scout Project I renovated an abandoned fishing cabin into a nature preserve for the City of Hickory Creek. Currently, I am participating in the Adopt A Spot program and have adopted the north side of the Corinth Community Park. Each quarter I organize a park clean-up with family members, boy scouts, and JROTC cadets. Recently, I helped start an Explorer Scouts Troop that is aviation-based. I am especially excited about this troop because it gives me the opportunity to share my passion for aviation as well as learn from others with the same passion. Thank you for your time and the opportunity to apply for this scholarship!