My name is Marcey Poll (maiden name Montambo). I have felt the call to work in the aviation industry since I was five years old. I believe my passion for aviation stems from my grandfather’s stories. My grandfather worked as an avionics instructor in the Air Force. After leaving the Air Force, he worked at GE Aviation, where he traveled all over the world teaching aviation systems and procedures. As a little girl, I would sit at the dining room table long after the food had been cleared, listening to my grandpa. He would tell me about his travels to England, New Zealand, and other classified locations. Many times, I would wait outside in the cold Michigan winter snow just so I could run to his car as soon as he pulled into the driveway. I would dream of flying the airplanes he told me about and working on the intricate systems he explained. I would tell him that I wanted to become a pilot, a mechanic, and an engineer so that I could travel all over the world—just like him. As I got older, I started to believe that my grandfather’s stories might be too far out of reach for a small-town girl like me. However, one day, while walking down our dusty dirt road, he told me about a high school next to his work that taught students how to fly. I immediately knew that school was my chance to achieve my dreams. My grandpa kindly offered to drive me to school every day, as long as I was 100% sure I was set on aviation. I didn’t have to think for a second before agreeing. Since that moment, my life has been a whirlwind of flying, studying, and working on airplanes. Now, at the ripe old age of 20, I’ve realized I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of aviation. The first time I was able to take my grandpa on a flight, we both got to share in our love of aviation in a truly special way. My grandpa still calls me every day after school to quiz me on what I’ve learned—whether it’s electronics, sheet metal repair, or engine dimensions. I dream of traveling the world just like him. This scholarship would help me finish paying for my training and testing for my A&P license. It would unlock so many new opportunities for me. I hope to use my knowledge as both a pilot and a mechanic to become a traveling safety inspector for the FAA. I’m passionate about safety in aviation because so many people are frightened out of traveling by air due to the horror stories they see on the news. Aviation opens the door to seeing the world. Everyone should be able to get on an airplane without fear of an accident. They should feel only the excitement of traveling to a new, exciting place.

1. Can you share a specific experience or moment in your life that solidified your desire to become a pilot or work in the aviation industry? I knew I wanted to become both a pilot and an A&P mechanic after spending a day with my local flight club's mechanic, Josh Baxter. My flight instructor introduced me to Josh, who invited me to spend time with him in the hangar whenever I had a free day. When the opportunity came, I took him up on his offer, and it turned out to be one of the most challenging and rewarding days of my life. We began by replacing the front wheel of the club’s Cardinal, with Josh walking me through each step while sharing his aviation background. He was an excellent teacher. Afterward, we chatted while he worked on restoring the club’s newly acquired C172. Before calling it a day, Josh invited me to go flying. I flew us out to an empty grass strip where we practiced various emergency scenarios. Josh not only explained the aerodynamic aspects of handling emergencies but also the mechanical side. That day, even though challenging, made me realize how much I loved the aviation industry. 2. Safety is paramount in aviation. How do you plan to prioritize and maintain safety in your flying practices? “Safety first" is my top priority in aviation. A story shared by a good friend of mine—a CFI at a local flying club—reinforced this lesson. Shortly after earning my private pilot's license, I learned that he and a student had to execute an emergency landing in a field due to engine roughness. The cause turned out to be carburetor icing, which occurred because both had overlooked the carburetor heat step during flight. Thankfully, they landed safely with minimal damage to the aircraft, but the incident could have been avoided by carefully rerunning the checklist to ensure no steps were missed. That story has stuck with me as a powerful reminder: a single overlooked step can lead to serious consequences. I’m mindful that a significant percentage of aviation accidents are caused by human error. I make it a habit to double-check gauges, rerun checklists, and practice emergencies regularly. I never hesitate to ask my flight instructor how I can improve my emergency procedures. I ask, practice, and ask again—because in aviation, safety should always come first. 3. Describe a time when you faced a significant challenge in your pursuit of aviation. How did you overcome it? As a high school senior, I faced a crucial decision between the structured, expensive Part 141 route and the more flexible, affordable Part 61 option. While the Part 141 path aligned with my dream of attending a university to study aviation, the financial burden of student loans made it an impractical choice. After careful consideration, I chose the Part 61 route, which would allow me to pursue flight training while attending community college and working full-time. Though it was difficult to let go of the university dream I had since childhood, I recognized that the Part 61 path was the more sustainable option. It required immense dedication and sacrifice, but it enabled me to stay financially stable while continuing to pursue my passion for aviation. This decision reinforced my commitment to achieving my goals on my own terms, balancing practicality with ambition. 4. What personal qualities or skills do you possess that you believe will contribute to your success in aviation? I am a dedicated, passionate, and humble individual who strives to work efficiently, effectively, and with unwavering precision and integrity. I am unafraid to acknowledge mistakes, viewing them as opportunities for growth both before and after they occur. I excel under pressure, relying on my training to navigate challenges while adhering to rules and regulations. I am always eager to learn new skills and further develop my existing ones. I don’t give up when I struggle with a concept or procedure. Instead, I work even harder to master the skill, ensuring I become a better and safer pilot. My passion for aviation drives me to continuously improve and excel in this field 5. How do you plan to engage with, mentor, and support other aspiring aviators in your community, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds? My mentor and flight instructor, Matt Slobe, introduced me to the Young Eagles program, a group of volunteer pilots in West Michigan dedicated to providing free flights for young kids at small airports. At these events, I assist by coordinating food, fueling airplanes, helping kids with preflight inspections, and organizing activities while they wait. It’s an incredible opportunity to inspire the next generation of pilots, and seeing the joy on a child’s face after their first flight is truly unforgettable. The program welcomes everyone, regardless of background, making it a meaningful and inclusive experience. 6. Why do you believe you are a strong candidate for this scholarship, and how will it help you achieve your aviation goals? I believe I am a strong candidate for this scholarship because of my deep passion and commitment to aviation. Since falling in love with aviation at the age of 10, I have pursued every opportunity to immerse myself in the field, earning my private pilot’s license and dedicating time to understanding both the mechanical and operational aspects of aviation. I approach challenges with determination, continuously working to refine my skills and become a safer, more capable pilot. This scholarship would be a significant step toward achieving my aviation goals, covering half the tuition cost to attend the School of Missionary Aviation and Technology (SMAT) for my A&P license. With this support, I could bypass the financial delay of saving for three more years and accept my offer of admission to attend SMAT from August 2025 to June 2026. I am driven not only by my passion for aviation but also by a commitment to inspiring and supporting others in this incredible community. This scholarship would enable me to take the next vital step in my journey and contribute meaningfully to the aviation field.

When I was a little girl, my favorite pastime was looking up into the sky. I would lie on my trampoline, watching the contrails, clouds, and airplanes miles above me. I wondered how it was possible for airplanes to fly. When I learned the science behind flight, it heightened my interest in aviation. I spent a lot of time in my grandpa's workshop building model rockets with him. I loved fixing up my old rockets that had crashed into the nearby cornfields. My grandpa introduced me to West Michigan Aviation Academy. He told me if I really wanted to pursue aviation, he would drive me (a two-hour round trip) to school every day. I chose to attend West Michigan Aviation Academy and promised him that I would make him proud. I graduated from West Michigan Aviation Academy with my private pilot’s license and a head full of knowledge. I was so happy when I took my grandpa on a flight for the first time. Since graduation, I have been working to maintain my promise to my grandpa. I have obtained my instrument rating, complex endorsement, and I am currently finishing my associate’s degree. I do not come from a well-endowed family. Driving to school, paying for flight school, and college classes have been a big strain on myself and my family. I love my family with my whole heart, and I want to make them proud. I have been in the workforce since I was 16 years old to help pay for my education. Working full-time while maintaining flight school and college has been very difficult. However, I try my best every day because I know one day it will be worth it. Hopefully soon, I will be able to turn to my family and say, "I am doing the job I love!" My dream job is to work for the FAA as a safety/maintenance officer. To become a safety/maintenance officer, I need to have a college education, flight experience, and my A&P license. The School of Missionary Aviation Technology (SMAT) is the final step for my career. This scholarship would help me finance the schooling for my A&P license at SMAT. Aviation is an amazing but expensive career field. Any amount given can help a student like me. A scholarship would help me work less overtime, stay out of debt, and enjoy the downtime I have with my family. However, most importantly, it would help me do what I love for the rest of my life. This scholarship would help a little girl make her grandpa proud.

When I was a little girl, my favorite pastime was looking up into the sky. I would lie on my trampoline, watching the contrails, clouds, and airplanes miles above me. I wondered how it was possible for airplanes to fly. When I learned the science behind flight, it heightened my interest in aviation. I spent a lot of time in my grandpa's workshop building model rockets with him. I loved fixing up my old rockets that had crashed into the nearby cornfields. My grandpa introduced me to West Michigan Aviation Academy. He told me if I really wanted to pursue aviation, he would drive me (a two-hour round trip) to school every day. I chose to attend West Michigan Aviation Academy and promised him that I would make him proud. I graduated from West Michigan Aviation Academy with my private pilot’s license and a head full of knowledge. I was so happy when I took my grandpa on a flight for the first time. Since graduation, I have been working to maintain my promise to my grandpa. I have obtained my instrument rating, complex endorsement, and I am currently finishing my associate’s degree. I do not come from a well-endowed family. Driving to school, paying for flight school, and college classes have been a big strain on myself and my family. I love my family with my whole heart, and I want to make them proud. I have been in the workforce since I was 16 years old to help pay for my education. Working full-time while maintaining flight school and college has been very difficult. However, I try my best every day because I know one day it will be worth it. Hopefully soon, I will be able to turn to my family and say, "I am doing the job I love!" My dream job is to work for the FAA as a safety/maintenance officer. To become a safety/maintenance officer, I need to have a college education, flight experience, and my A&P license. The School of Missionary Aviation Technology (SMAT) is the final step for my career. This scholarship would help me finance the schooling for my A&P license at SMAT. Aviation is an amazing but expensive career field. Any amount given can help a student like me. A scholarship would help me work less overtime, stay out of debt, and enjoy the downtime I have with my family. However, most importantly, it would help me do what I love for the rest of my life. This scholarship would help a little girl make her grandpa proud.

When I was a little girl, my favorite pastime was looking up into the sky. I would lie on my trampoline, watching the contrails, clouds, and airplanes miles above me. I wondered how it was possible for airplanes to fly. When I learned the science behind flight, it heightened my interest in aviation. I spent a lot of time in my grandpa's workshop building model rockets with him. I loved fixing up my old rockets that had crashed into the nearby cornfields. My grandpa introduced me to West Michigan Aviation Academy. He told me if I really wanted to pursue aviation, he would drive me (a two-hour round trip) to school every day. I chose to attend West Michigan Aviation Academy and promised him that I would make him proud. I graduated from West Michigan Aviation Academy with my private pilot’s license and a head full of knowledge. I was so happy when I took my grandpa on a flight for the first time. Since graduation, I have been working to maintain my promise to my grandpa. I have obtained my instrument rating, complex endorsement, and I am currently finishing my associate’s degree. I do not come from a well-endowed family. Driving to school, paying for flight school, and college classes have been a big strain on myself and my family. I love my family with my whole heart, and I want to make them proud. I have been in the workforce since I was 16 years old to help pay for my education. Working full-time while maintaining flight school and college has been very difficult. However, I try my best every day because I know one day it will be worth it. Hopefully soon, I will be able to turn to my family and say, "I am doing the job I love!" My dream job is to work for the FAA as a safety/maintenance officer. To become a safety/maintenance officer, I need to have a college education, flight experience, and my A&P license. The School of Missionary Aviation Technology (SMAT) is the final step for my career. This scholarship would help me finance the schooling for my A&P license at SMAT. Aviation is an amazing but expensive career field. Any amount given can help a student like me. A scholarship would help me work less overtime, stay out of debt, and enjoy the downtime I have with my family. However, most importantly, it would help me do what I love for the rest of my life. This scholarship would help a little girl make her grandpa proud.

When I was a little girl, my favorite pastime was looking up into the sky. I would lie on my trampoline, watching the contrails, clouds, and airplanes miles above me. I wondered how it was possible for airplanes to fly. When I learned the science behind flight, it heightened my interest in aviation. I spent a lot of time in my grandpa's workshop building model rockets with him. I loved fixing up my old rockets that had crashed into the nearby cornfields. My grandpa introduced me to West Michigan Aviation Academy. He told me if I really wanted to pursue aviation, he would drive me (a two-hour round trip) to school every day. I chose to attend West Michigan Aviation Academy and promised him that I would make him proud. I graduated from West Michigan Aviation Academy with my private pilot’s license and a head full of knowledge. I was so happy when I took my grandpa on a flight for the first time. Since graduation, I have been working to maintain my promise to my grandpa. I have obtained my instrument rating, complex endorsement, and I am currently finishing my associate’s degree. I do not come from a well-endowed family. Driving to school, paying for flight school, and college classes have been a big strain on myself and my family. I love my family with my whole heart, and I want to make them proud. I have been in the workforce since I was 16 years old to help pay for my education. Working full-time while maintaining flight school and college has been very difficult. However, I try my best every day because I know one day it will be worth it. Hopefully soon, I will be able to turn to my family and say, "I am doing the job I love!" My dream job is to work for the FAA as a safety/maintenance officer. To become a safety/maintenance officer, I need to have a college education, flight experience, and my A&P license. The School of Missionary Aviation Technology (SMAT) is the final step for my career. This scholarship would help me finance the schooling for my A&P license at SMAT. Aviation is an amazing but expensive career field. Any amount given can help a student like me. A scholarship would help me work less overtime, stay out of debt, and enjoy the downtime I have with my family. However, most importantly, it would help me do what I love for the rest of my life. This scholarship would help a little girl make her grandpa proud.

When I was a little girl, my favorite pastime was looking up into the sky. I would lie on my trampoline, watching the contrails, clouds, and airplanes miles above me. I wondered how it was possible for airplanes to fly. When I learned the science behind flight, it heightened my interest in aviation. I spent a lot of time in my grandpa's workshop building model rockets with him. I loved fixing up my old rockets that had crashed into the nearby cornfields. My grandpa introduced me to West Michigan Aviation Academy. He told me if I really wanted to pursue aviation, he would drive me (a two-hour round trip) to school every day. I chose to attend West Michigan Aviation Academy and promised him that I would make him proud. I graduated from West Michigan Aviation Academy with my private pilot’s license and a head full of knowledge. I was so happy when I took my grandpa on a flight for the first time. Since graduation, I have been working to maintain my promise to my grandpa. I have obtained my instrument rating, complex endorsement, and I am currently finishing my associate’s degree. I do not come from a well-endowed family. Driving to school, paying for flight school, and college classes have been a big strain on myself and my family. I love my family with my whole heart, and I want to make them proud. I have been in the workforce since I was 16 years old to help pay for my education. Working full-time while maintaining flight school and college has been very difficult. However, I try my best every day because I know one day it will be worth it. Hopefully soon, I will be able to turn to my family and say, "I am doing the job I love!" My dream job is to work for the FAA as a safety/maintenance officer. To become a safety/maintenance officer, I need to have a college education, flight experience, and my A&P license. The School of Missionary Aviation Technology (SMAT) is the final step for my career. This scholarship would help me finance the schooling for my A&P license at SMAT. Aviation is an amazing but expensive career field. Any amount given can help a student like me. A scholarship would help me work less overtime, stay out of debt, and enjoy the downtime I have with my family. However, most importantly, it would help me do what I love for the rest of my life. This scholarship would help a little girl make her grandpa proud.

When I was a little girl, my favorite pastime was looking up into the sky. I would lie on my trampoline, watching the contrails, clouds, and airplanes miles above me. I wondered how it was possible for airplanes to fly. When I learned the science behind flight, it heightened my interest in aviation. I spent a lot of time in my grandpa's workshop building model rockets with him. I loved fixing up my old rockets that had crashed into the nearby cornfields. My grandpa introduced me to West Michigan Aviation Academy. He told me if I really wanted to pursue aviation, he would drive me (a two-hour round trip) to school every day. I chose to attend West Michigan Aviation Academy and promised him that I would make him proud. I graduated from West Michigan Aviation Academy with my private pilot’s license and a head full of knowledge. I was so happy when I took my grandpa on a flight for the first time. Since graduation, I have been working to maintain my promise to my grandpa. I have obtained my instrument rating, complex endorsement, and I am currently finishing my associate’s degree. I do not come from a well-endowed family. Driving to school, paying for flight school, and college classes have been a big strain on myself and my family. I love my family with my whole heart, and I want to make them proud. I have been in the workforce since I was 16 years old to help pay for my education. Working full-time while maintaining flight school and college has been very difficult. However, I try my best every day because I know one day it will be worth it. Hopefully soon, I will be able to turn to my family and say, "I am doing the job I love!" My dream job is to work for the FAA as a safety/maintenance officer. To become a safety/maintenance officer, I need to have a college education, flight experience, and my A&P license. The School of Missionary Aviation Technology (SMAT) is the final step for my career. This scholarship would help me finance the schooling for my A&P license at SMAT. Aviation is an amazing but expensive career field. Any amount given can help a student like me. A scholarship would help me work less overtime, stay out of debt, and enjoy the downtime I have with my family. However, most importantly, it would help me do what I love for the rest of my life. This scholarship would help a little girl make her grandpa proud.

When I was a little girl, my favorite pastime was looking up into the sky. I would lie on my trampoline, watching the contrails, clouds, and airplanes miles above me. I wondered how it was possible for airplanes to fly. When I learned the science behind flight, it heightened my interest in aviation. I spent a lot of time in my grandpa's workshop building model rockets with him. I loved fixing up my old rockets that had crashed into the nearby cornfields. My grandpa introduced me to West Michigan Aviation Academy. He told me if I really wanted to pursue aviation, he would drive me (a two-hour round trip) to school every day. I chose to attend West Michigan Aviation Academy and promised him that I would make him proud. I graduated from West Michigan Aviation Academy with my private pilot’s license and a head full of knowledge. I was so happy when I took my grandpa on a flight for the first time. Since graduation, I have been working to maintain my promise to my grandpa. I have obtained my instrument rating, complex endorsement, and I am currently finishing my associate’s degree. I do not come from a well-endowed family. Driving to school, paying for flight school, and college classes have been a big strain on myself and my family. I love my family with my whole heart, and I want to make them proud. I have been in the workforce since I was 16 years old to help pay for my education. Working full-time while maintaining flight school and college has been very difficult. However, I try my best every day because I know one day it will be worth it. Hopefully soon, I will be able to turn to my family and say, "I am doing the job I love!" My dream job is to work for the FAA as a safety/maintenance officer. To become a safety/maintenance officer, I need to have a college education, flight experience, and my A&P license. The School of Missionary Aviation Technology (SMAT) is the final step for my career. This scholarship would help me finance the schooling for my A&P license at SMAT. Aviation is an amazing but expensive career field. Any amount given can help a student like me. A scholarship would help me work less overtime, stay out of debt, and enjoy the downtime I have with my family. However, most importantly, it would help me do what I love for the rest of my life. This scholarship would help a little girl make her grandpa proud.

When I was a little girl, my favorite pastime was looking up into the sky. I would lie on my trampoline, watching the contrails, clouds, and airplanes miles above me. I wondered how it was possible for airplanes to fly. When I learned the science behind flight, it heightened my interest in aviation. I spent a lot of time in my grandpa's workshop building model rockets with him. I loved fixing up my old rockets that had crashed into the nearby cornfields. My grandpa introduced me to West Michigan Aviation Academy. He told me if I really wanted to pursue aviation, he would drive me (a two-hour round trip) to school every day. I chose to attend West Michigan Aviation Academy and promised him that I would make him proud. I graduated from West Michigan Aviation Academy with my private pilot’s license and a head full of knowledge. I was so happy when I took my grandpa on a flight for the first time. Since graduation, I have been working to maintain my promise to my grandpa. I have obtained my instrument rating, complex endorsement, and I am currently finishing my associate’s degree. I do not come from a well-endowed family. Driving to school, paying for flight school, and college classes have been a big strain on myself and my family. I love my family with my whole heart, and I want to make them proud. I have been in the workforce since I was 16 years old to help pay for my education. Working full-time while maintaining flight school and college has been very difficult. However, I try my best every day because I know one day it will be worth it. Hopefully soon, I will be able to turn to my family and say, "I am doing the job I love!" My dream job is to work for the FAA as a safety/maintenance officer. To become a safety/maintenance officer, I need to have a college education, flight experience, and my A&P license. The School of Missionary Aviation Technology (SMAT) is the final step for my career. This scholarship would help me finance the schooling for my A&P license at SMAT. Aviation is an amazing but expensive career field. Any amount given can help a student like me. A scholarship would help me work less overtime, stay out of debt, and enjoy the downtime I have with my family. However, most importantly, it would help me do what I love for the rest of my life. This scholarship would help a little girl make her grandpa proud.

When I was a little girl, my favorite pastime was looking up into the sky. I would lie on my trampoline, watching the contrails, clouds, and airplanes miles above me. I wondered how it was possible for airplanes to fly. When I learned the science behind flight, it heightened my interest in aviation. I spent a lot of time in my grandpa's workshop building model rockets with him. I loved fixing up my old rockets that had crashed into the nearby cornfields. My grandpa introduced me to West Michigan Aviation Academy. He told me if I really wanted to pursue aviation, he would drive me (a two-hour round trip) to school every day. I chose to attend West Michigan Aviation Academy and promised him that I would make him proud. I graduated from West Michigan Aviation Academy with my private pilot’s license and a head full of knowledge. I was so happy when I took my grandpa on a flight for the first time. Since graduation, I have been working to maintain my promise to my grandpa. I have obtained my instrument rating, complex endorsement, and I am currently finishing my associate’s degree. I do not come from a well-endowed family. Driving to school, paying for flight school, and college classes have been a big strain on myself and my family. I love my family with my whole heart, and I want to make them proud. I have been in the workforce since I was 16 years old to help pay for my education. Working full-time while maintaining flight school and college has been very difficult. However, I try my best every day because I know one day it will be worth it. Hopefully soon, I will be able to turn to my family and say, "I am doing the job I love!" My dream job is to work for the FAA as a safety/maintenance officer. To become a safety/maintenance officer, I need to have a college education, flight experience, and my A&P license. The School of Missionary Aviation Technology (SMAT) is the final step for my career. This scholarship would help me finance the schooling for my A&P license at SMAT. Aviation is an amazing but expensive career field. Any amount given can help a student like me. A scholarship would help me work less overtime, stay out of debt, and enjoy the downtime I have with my family. However, most importantly, it would help me do what I love for the rest of my life. This scholarship would help a little girl make her grandpa proud.

When I was a little girl, my favorite pastime was looking up into the sky. I would lie on my trampoline, watching the contrails, clouds, and airplanes miles above me. I wondered how it was possible for airplanes to fly. When I learned the science behind flight, it heightened my interest in aviation. I spent a lot of time in my grandpa's workshop building model rockets with him. I loved fixing up my old rockets that had crashed into the nearby cornfields. My grandpa introduced me to West Michigan Aviation Academy. He told me if I really wanted to pursue aviation, he would drive me (a two-hour round trip) to school every day. I chose to attend West Michigan Aviation Academy and promised him that I would make him proud. I graduated from West Michigan Aviation Academy with my private pilot’s license and a head full of knowledge. I was so happy when I took my grandpa on a flight for the first time. Since graduation, I have been working to maintain my promise to my grandpa. I have obtained my instrument rating, complex endorsement, and I am currently finishing my associate’s degree. I do not come from a well-endowed family. Driving to school, paying for flight school, and college classes have been a big strain on myself and my family. I love my family with my whole heart, and I want to make them proud. I have been in the workforce since I was 16 years old to help pay for my education. Working full-time while maintaining flight school and college has been very difficult. However, I try my best every day because I know one day it will be worth it. Hopefully soon, I will be able to turn to my family and say, "I am doing the job I love!" My dream job is to work for the FAA as a safety/maintenance officer. To become a safety/maintenance officer, I need to have a college education, flight experience, and my A&P license. The School of Missionary Aviation Technology (SMAT) is the final step for my career. This scholarship would help me finance the schooling for my A&P license at SMAT. Aviation is an amazing but expensive career field. Any amount given can help a student like me. A scholarship would help me work less overtime, stay out of debt, and enjoy the downtime I have with my family. However, most importantly, it would help me do what I love for the rest of my life. This scholarship would help a little girl make her grandpa proud.

When I was a little girl, my favorite pastime was looking up into the sky. I would lie on my trampoline, watching the contrails, clouds, and airplanes miles above me. I wondered how it was possible for airplanes to fly. When I learned the science behind flight, it heightened my interest in aviation. I spent a lot of time in my grandpa's workshop building model rockets with him. I loved fixing up my old rockets that had crashed into the nearby cornfields. My grandpa introduced me to West Michigan Aviation Academy. He told me if I really wanted to pursue aviation, he would drive me (a two-hour round trip) to school every day. I chose to attend West Michigan Aviation Academy and promised him that I would make him proud. I graduated from West Michigan Aviation Academy with my private pilot’s license and a head full of knowledge. I was so happy when I took my grandpa on a flight for the first time. Since graduation, I have been working to maintain my promise to my grandpa. I have obtained my instrument rating, complex endorsement, and I am currently finishing my associate’s degree. I do not come from a well-endowed family. Driving to school, paying for flight school, and college classes have been a big strain on myself and my family. I love my family with my whole heart, and I want to make them proud. I have been in the workforce since I was 16 years old to help pay for my education. Working full-time while maintaining flight school and college has been very difficult. However, I try my best every day because I know one day it will be worth it. Hopefully soon, I will be able to turn to my family and say, "I am doing the job I love!" My dream job is to work for the FAA as a safety/maintenance officer. To become a safety/maintenance officer, I need to have a college education, flight experience, and my A&P license. The School of Missionary Aviation Technology (SMAT) is the final step for my career. This scholarship would help me finance the schooling for my A&P license at SMAT. Aviation is an amazing but expensive career field. Any amount given can help a student like me. A scholarship would help me work less overtime, stay out of debt, and enjoy the downtime I have with my family. However, most importantly, it would help me do what I love for the rest of my life. This scholarship would help a little girl make her grandpa proud.

When I was a little girl, my favorite pastime was looking up into the sky. I would lie on my trampoline, watching the contrails, clouds, and airplanes miles above me. I wondered how it was possible for airplanes to fly. When I learned the science behind flight, it heightened my interest in aviation. I spent a lot of time in my grandpa's workshop building model rockets with him. I loved fixing up my old rockets that had crashed into the nearby cornfields. My grandpa introduced me to West Michigan Aviation Academy. He told me if I really wanted to pursue aviation, he would drive me (a two-hour round trip) to school every day. I chose to attend West Michigan Aviation Academy and promised him that I would make him proud. I graduated from West Michigan Aviation Academy with my private pilot’s license and a head full of knowledge. I was so happy when I took my grandpa on a flight for the first time. Since graduation, I have been working to maintain my promise to my grandpa. I have obtained my instrument rating, complex endorsement, and I am currently finishing my associate’s degree. I do not come from a well-endowed family. Driving to school, paying for flight school, and college classes have been a big strain on myself and my family. I love my family with my whole heart, and I want to make them proud. I have been in the workforce since I was 16 years old to help pay for my education. Working full-time while maintaining flight school and college has been very difficult. However, I try my best every day because I know one day it will be worth it. Hopefully soon, I will be able to turn to my family and say, "I am doing the job I love!" My dream job is to work for the FAA as a safety/maintenance officer. To become a safety/maintenance officer, I need to have a college education, flight experience, and my A&P license. The School of Missionary Aviation Technology (SMAT) is the final step for my career. This scholarship would help me finance the schooling for my A&P license at SMAT. Aviation is an amazing but expensive career field. Any amount given can help a student like me. A scholarship would help me work less overtime, stay out of debt, and enjoy the downtime I have with my family. However, most importantly, it would help me do what I love for the rest of my life. This scholarship would help a little girl make her grandpa proud.

When I was a little girl, my favorite pastime was looking up into the sky. I would lie on my trampoline, watching the contrails, clouds, and airplanes miles above me. I wondered how it was possible for airplanes to fly. When I learned the science behind flight, it heightened my interest in aviation. I spent a lot of time in my grandpa's workshop building model rockets with him. I loved fixing up my old rockets that had crashed into the nearby cornfields. My grandpa introduced me to West Michigan Aviation Academy. He told me if I really wanted to pursue aviation, he would drive me (a two-hour round trip) to school every day. I chose to attend West Michigan Aviation Academy and promised him that I would make him proud. I graduated from West Michigan Aviation Academy with my private pilot’s license and a head full of knowledge. I was so happy when I took my grandpa on a flight for the first time. Since graduation, I have been working to maintain my promise to my grandpa. I have obtained my instrument rating, complex endorsement, and I am currently finishing my associate’s degree. I do not come from a well-endowed family. Driving to school, paying for flight school, and college classes have been a big strain on myself and my family. I love my family with my whole heart, and I want to make them proud. I have been in the workforce since I was 16 years old to help pay for my education. Working full-time while maintaining flight school and college has been very difficult. However, I try my best every day because I know one day it will be worth it. Hopefully soon, I will be able to turn to my family and say, "I am doing the job I love!" My dream job is to work for the FAA as a safety/maintenance officer. To become a safety/maintenance officer, I need to have a college education, flight experience, and my A&P license. The School of Missionary Aviation Technology (SMAT) is the final step for my career. This scholarship would help me finance the schooling for my A&P license at SMAT. Aviation is an amazing but expensive career field. Any amount given can help a student like me. A scholarship would help me work less overtime, stay out of debt, and enjoy the downtime I have with my family. However, most importantly, it would help me do what I love for the rest of my life. This scholarship would help a little girl make her grandpa proud.

When I was a little girl, my favorite pastime was looking up into the sky. I would lie on my trampoline, watching the contrails, clouds, and airplanes miles above me. I spent a lot of time in my grandpa's workshop building model rockets with him. My grandpa introduced me to West Michigan Aviation Academy. He told me if I really wanted to pursue aviation, he would drive me (a two-hour round trip) to school every day. I chose to attend West Michigan Aviation Academy and promised him that I would make him proud. I graduated from West Michigan Aviation Academy with my private pilot’s license and a head full of knowledge. I was so happy when I took my grandpa on a flight for the first time. Since graduation, I have been working to maintain my promise to my grandpa. I have obtained my instrument rating, complex endorsement, and I am currently finishing my associate’s degree. I do not come from a well-endowed family. Driving to school, paying for flight school, and college classes have been a big strain on myself and my family. I love my family with my whole heart, and I want to make them proud. I have been in the workforce since I was 16 years old to help pay for my education. Working full-time while maintaining flight school and college has been very difficult. However, I try my best every day because I know one day it will be worth it. Hopefully soon, I will be able to turn to my family and say, "I am doing the job I love!" My dream job is to work for the FAA as a safety/maintenance officer. To become a safety/maintenance officer, I need to have a college education, flight experience, and my A&P license. The School of Missionary Aviation Technology (SMAT) is the final step for my career. This scholarship would help me finance the schooling for my A&P license at SMAT. Aviation is an amazing but expensive career field. Any amount given can help a student like me. A scholarship would help me work less overtime, stay out of debt, and enjoy the downtime I have with my family. However, most importantly, it would help me do what I love for the rest of my life. This scholarship would help a little girl make her grandpa proud.

When I was a little girl, my favorite pastime was looking up into the sky. I would lie on my trampoline, watching the contrails, clouds, and airplanes miles above me. I wondered how it was possible for airplanes to fly. When I learned the science behind flight, it heightened my interest in aviation. I spent a lot of time in my grandpa's workshop building model rockets with him. I loved fixing up my old rockets that had crashed into the nearby cornfields. My grandpa introduced me to West Michigan Aviation Academy. He told me if I really wanted to pursue aviation, he would drive me (a two-hour round trip) to school every day. I chose to attend West Michigan Aviation Academy and promised him that I would make him proud. I graduated from West Michigan Aviation Academy with my private pilot’s license and a head full of knowledge. I was so happy when I took my grandpa on a flight for the first time. Since graduation, I have been working to maintain my promise to my grandpa. I have obtained my instrument rating, complex endorsement, and I am currently finishing my associate’s degree. I do not come from a well-endowed family. Driving to school, paying for flight school, and college classes have been a big strain on myself and my family. I love my family with my whole heart, and I want to make them proud. I have been in the workforce since I was 16 years old to help pay for my education. Working full-time while maintaining flight school and college has been very difficult. However, I try my best every day because I know one day it will be worth it. Hopefully soon, I will be able to turn to my family and say, "I am doing the job I love!" Success to me looks like having a job that I am passionate about and I love. Within that definition I have my own stipulations to what makes me passionate. I feel passionate when I know I am making a difference. My dream job is to work for the FAA as a safety/maintenance officer. I know I will make a difference because safety is the first priority when it comes to aviation. I will be able to prevent accidents from occurring during flight because of the job I will preform. My knowledge/understanding will be important for thoroughly and adequately analyzing the risks related to flight. To become a safety/maintenance officer, I need to have a college education, flight experience, and my A&P license. The School of Missionary Aviation Technology (SMAT) is the final step for my career. This scholarship would help me finance the schooling for my A&P license at SMAT. Aviation is an amazing but expensive career field. Any amount given can help a student like me. A scholarship would help me work less overtime, stay out of debt, and enjoy the downtime I have with my family. However, most importantly, it would help me do what I love for the rest of my life. This scholarship would help a little girl make her grandpa proud.

When I was a little girl, my favorite pastime was looking up into the sky. I would lie on my trampoline, watching the contrails, clouds, and airplanes miles above me. I wondered how it was possible for airplanes to fly. When I learned the science behind flight, it heightened my interest in aviation. I spent a lot of time in my grandpa's workshop building model rockets with him. I loved fixing up my old rockets that had crashed into the nearby cornfields. My grandpa introduced me to West Michigan Aviation Academy. He told me if I really wanted to pursue aviation, he would drive me (a two-hour round trip) to school every day. I chose to attend West Michigan Aviation Academy and promised him that I would make him proud. I graduated from West Michigan Aviation Academy with my private pilot’s license and a head full of knowledge. I was so happy when I took my grandpa on a flight for the first time. Since graduation, I have been working to maintain my promise to my grandpa. I have obtained my instrument rating, complex endorsement, and I am currently finishing my associate’s degree. I do not come from a well-endowed family. Driving to school, paying for flight school, and college classes have been a big strain on myself and my family. I love my family with my whole heart, and I want to make them proud. I have been in the workforce since I was 16 years old to help pay for my education. Working full-time while maintaining flight school and college has been very difficult. However, I try my best every day because I know one day it will be worth it. Hopefully soon, I will be able to turn to my family and say, "I am doing the job I love!" My dream job is to work for the FAA as a safety/maintenance officer. To become a safety/maintenance officer, I need to have a college education, flight experience, and my A&P license. The School of Missionary Aviation Technology (SMAT) is the final step for my career. This scholarship would help me finance the schooling for my A&P license at SMAT. Aviation is an amazing but expensive career field. Any amount given can help a student like me. A scholarship would help me work less overtime, stay out of debt, and enjoy the downtime I have with my family. However, most importantly, it would help me do what I love for the rest of my life. This scholarship would help a little girl make her grandpa proud.

My love story with aviation started with a four year long commitment. During my eighth grade year I decided to attend West Michigan Aviation Academy(WMAA) on the Gerald R. Ford International airport. WMAA is a high school designed for students interested in aviation and engineering. During my middle school years I dreamed of becoming a rocket scientist or an aerospace engineer. As a kid I had a million NASA shirts, would build model rockets in my spare time, and doodle rocket designs in my notebook. I wanted a career where I could work with my hands, had concrete guidelines to follow, and utilized problem-solving thinking. During freshman year I was focused on the engineering side of aviation. However, as high school progressed I decided to pursue the flight program. I got to see the beauty of flight and how amazing it is to be the one at the controls. I graduated from WMAA with my Private Pilots License and Commercial Drone License. After high school I decided to continue with flight school and I obtained my Instrument rating and Complex endorsement. During this time, I attended Muskegon Community College for my general associates degree and worked full time to fund my education. During the "time- building" period before starting my Commercial license I realized that, while I still love flying, I do not want it to be my full time career. I missed being able to take things apart piece by piece. I also want spend more time learning about what goes into creating and maintaining aircraft. I love knowing how airplanes work, so I reflected on what initially started me down the path of aviation. I still like building model rockets, but I don't see myself as an engineer any more. I thought about some of the classes that I took in high school, and I talked with some of my close pilot friends/mentors. I decided that maintenance/accident analysis was the career path for me. I get to be hands on, problem solve, travel for work, and combine all of my passions into one career. I am going to be attending the School of Missionary Aviation Technology(SMAT) for my A&P licensure next August. I plan to use my combination of flight and maintenance knowledge to become a Safety and Accident Analyzer for the FAA. Aviation is full of amazing opportunities for young adults like me, and I am so grateful for all I have learned so far and what I will learn in the future.

My love story with aviation started with a four year long commitment. During my eighth grade year I decided to attend West Michigan Aviation Academy(WMAA) on the Gerald R. Ford International airport. WMAA is a high school designed for students interested in aviation and engineering. During my middle school years I dreamed of becoming a rocket scientist or an aerospace engineer. As a kid I had a million NASA shirts, would build model rockets in my spare time, and doodle rocket designs in my notebook. I wanted a career where I could work with my hands, had concrete guidelines to follow, and utilized problem-solving thinking. During freshman year I was focused on the engineering side of aviation. However, as high school progressed I decided to pursue the flight program. I got to see the beauty of flight and how amazing it is to be the one at the controls. I graduated from WMAA with my Private Pilots License and Commercial Drone License. After high school I decided to continue with flight school and I obtained my Instrument rating and Complex endorsement. During this time, I attended Muskegon Community College for my general associates degree and worked full time to fund my education. During the "time- building" period before starting my Commercial license I realized that, while I still love flying, I do not want it to be my full time career. I reflected on what initially started me down the path of aviation. I still loved building model rockets, but I could not see myself as an engineer any more. I thought about some of the classes that I took in high school, and I talked with some of my close pilot friends/mentors. I decided that maintenance/accident analysis was the career path for me. I am going to be attending the School of Missionary Aviation Technology(SMAT) for my A&P licensure next August. I plan to use my combination of flight and maintenance knowledge to become a Safety and Accident Analyzer for the FAA. Aviation is full of amazing opportunities for young adults like me, and I am so grateful for all I have learned so far and what I will learn in the future. Ever since elementary school I have been labeled as a "go-getting". As a fourth grader I organized a school wide, outdoor trash clean up. I love helping my community and I tend to fall into leadership position because of this. In middle school I was a Peer Coach for new students and I also was a part of Student Council. To this day my eighth grade class holds the highest total amount of fundraisers, dances, and other events hosted by the student body. During high school I also did student council for two years. Additionally I was treasurer of National Honors Society, manager for Weight Lifting Club, president of Women in STEAM club, vice president of Student Positivity Club, Student Shadow lead, Student Tour lead, New Student Orientation leader, and Student Gala Representative. Outside of high school, when I wasn't working, I volunteered as Cheer coach for Grant Public schools for three years. Overall, I have bit of experience with leadership positions, however, I don't believe that is what makes me a good leader. I believe a good leader is a good listener. I aim to help, inspire, listen to, understand, and manage the people who I lead. I want to be the leader who gets things done efficiently and with a smile on their face. Being a leader means taking responsibility for your decisions and lending a helping hand to those who need it.

My aviation journey started during my eighth grade year. I was on a walk with my grandpa one day when he mentioned a high school that taught students how to fly airplanes. I had just recently been on my first flight. I thought it was so amazing how a piece of metal could soar through the sky. Afterwards I looked into the logistics of attending said school. I am so grateful to my grandpa for making my dream come true by offering to drive me an hour away everyday just so I could go to school. For four years I worked very hard, so that I could get my private pilots license by graduation. All that work paid off when I got to hear my DPE say, “I guess you can say I was your first passenger as a licensed pilot." After high school I decided to stay home for college. I am currently in my last year of getting my general associates degree in Science and Arts. Hopefully, someday, I will be able to go get my bachelors in Aviation Science. I also have been working on build hours for my commercial license. I have my instrument license and my complex endorsement now, as well. Ultimately, my dream is to become an international airline pilot. It was pretty hard to say no to all the amazing aviation colleges, but I feel I made the right decision for me. I am able to save money by being a part of a local flying club. My life looks pretty strange for an eighteen year old but I love it. For example, as a member I recently got to help make the decision to purchase an eighth airplane for the club. I can't really say anything specifically inspired me to pursue flying. I think it was a combination of things. For one, my dad and grandpa were both in the air force. Neither one of them were pilots but my dad always dreamed of becoming one. I would also build model rockets with my grandpa. I loved physics in school, but I didn’t really like sitting at a desk. I wanted to see the earth from up high, and travel. Becoming a pilot just made sense. Finally, I really like challenging myself. I always had to have a 4.0+ GPA in school. However, when you are flying you can't really "perfect" the art of flying. Yes, you can be a great pilot, but there is always room for improvement. I think that is what ultimately draws me to flying. There is always room to improve, and you have to try your best every single day. During high school I was very active in my community. I ended up graduating with around 150 total service hours. I mostly spent those hours being a coach. Now that I am out of high school I still try to be active in my community, but it is a bit challenging finding the time. I work third shift, full time at a local part manufacturer to pay for college and flight time. Most days look like work, study, sleep, and repeat. I am also trying to average around 2-3 hours per week of flying. Luckily, I am able to volunteer at my church on Sundays. I also try to volunteer to clean the hangers, airplanes, and attend local fly-in events for my flight club. One day I would ultimately like to open my own scholarship for people also interested in aviation.

My top 10 favorite movies/TV shows: - The Green Mile - Scream(original) - Top Gun(original) - Almost Heros - 50 First Dates - Star Trek(Next Generation) - Alf - Band of Brothers - Friends - Me Before You These movies shaped who I am today. I know that Hollywood, nowadays, is seen as some sort of vile temptress that destroys actors and viewers. I agree that Hollywood has its dark side, but it also creates works of art. Truthfully, sometimes I feel like these movies helped raise me. My family spent a lot of time bonding over movies. A lot of my childhood memories are from watching and debating movies with my family. I loved having in-depth conversations with my father about the endless possibilities of the space continuum within Star Trek or crying with my mom about the ending of Me Before You. There is something so beautiful about the magic of Hollywood's touch. I would say I have watched the most movies out of anyone I know. I once watched the entire trilogy of Lord of the Rings 3 times in one weekend. Now, don't think I am someone who spends all of their time watching movies and has no life. I love to go out and live life to the fullest. However, I see movies as pieces of artwork or music. They have a level of dedication and sophistication that far exceeds many other art forms in this world. They can change people into monsters or heroes. They make me want to go out into the world and experience life. I want to be a pilot. I wouldn't say I want to be like the pilots in Top Gun, but I would say that they inspired me. All movies inspire me in some way. Hollywood has the gift of magic. It's almost impossible to put into words for this essay, but I will try my best to show you the unspoken power of Hollywood. Hamlet(Mel Gibson)(To be or not to be) https://youtu.be/Vf2TpWsPvgI Phantom of the Opera(Gerard Butler) https://youtu.be/pgz6PnHkmpY Fury(Death) https://youtu.be/xKxJmbIHbPQ Dirty Dancing(Hungry Eyes) https://youtu.be/8g0DMh1Ck_E Cinderella(Bubbles) https://youtu.be/-F5qgEBHAVM Top Gun(Opening Scene) https://youtu.be/EZfM2VMs_vI My Girl(He can't see without his glasses) https://youtu.be/woLbaFLoJI8 50 First Dates(Car) https://youtu.be/uxQGT9obm0g Me Before You(Final Scene) https://youtu.be/EAzrKB7DVxk These are only some of the iconic moments created by Hollywood. There is just something indescribable about them and the magic they create. Throughout the years of Hollywood, there have been highs and lows, but I will always be waiting for the next "Once Upon a Time".

PIC mentality. Many people do not understand the meaning or importance of this statement. PIC stands for Pilot in Command. I am currently a 17-year-old Private Pilot who strives for PIC mentality in all aspects of my life. A good PIC is one who makes professional, well-informed decisions for the overall safety of a flight. In the training to obtain my Private Pilot license, I learned a lot about leadership. What does it mean to be the one in charge of an airplane? What is considered a hazard to a flight? How as PIC can I affect the outcome of a flight? There are many books written by amazing pilots about the importance of PIC mentality in the cockpit. I, however, want to take PIC mentality one step further. I believe that PIC mentality is not just limited to the cockpit, it should be applied to all aspects of life. In high school, I had the opportunity to participate in many leadership roles and I learned a lot about myself and others. However, the moment when you step into an airplane in which you have the sole responsibility, control, and liability (FAR AIM Part 91.3) for, changes your perspective as a 17-year-old. Being a leader isn't about power or control. Having the capability of flying an airplane only gets you so far. You have to be able to quickly analyze a situation and determine its overall effect on the airplane, yourrself, passengers, flight plan, and flight programming. And the severity of its effect. I am still only 17 years old but this mindset has made me wiser in the ways of navigating the world around us. And this pursuit of growth in my PIC mindset should never stop. Even when I have 50 years of experience as an Airline Pilot I should still be able to say that I can be a better PIC. There is always room for improvement. In the next 2 years, I hope to become a Certified Flight Instructor which will be a great challenge for me. Not only will I have to learn how to manage my own PIC mentality but also how to foster, grow, and understand a young student's mentality while flying. There is always going to be a new challenge. When I turn 21 and become an Airline Pilot for Delta I will be faced with more challenges. Like how to manage an entire flight crew, passengers, and a 200,000lbs aircraft. Being a pilot is a difficult task but I am ready to face the next 50 years of my life with a positive PIC mentality.

I am a pilot from the top of my 5'2" head to the bottom of my pink-colored toenails. I am 1 of 15 people who graduated from West Michigan Aviation Academy Class of 2023 with their private pilot's license. I love flying and I can't imagine myself doing anything else. My love for flying started young. My father and grandfather were in the airforce so I was always fascinated by aviation. However, the idea of becoming a pilot didn't start until about eighth grade. During eighth grade, I was struggling to find something that I could love doing for 40+ years. I would look up into the sky and just wonder what would my future hold. Ironically I was looking right at it. I had my first flight and I loved it. I spent the entire time watching the little airplane tracker. Aviation is everything I've loved; math, traveling, physics, and adventure. Since that first flight 5 years ago, I have continuously fallen in love with aviation. I recently just graduated from West Michigan Aviation Academy(WMAA) which is a public high school that teaches students how to become a private pilot. Through WMAA I have become a certified private pilot and I hope to continue to become an Airline Transport Pilot(ATP). I would like to become an ATP as soon as possible which is why my future goals include; becoming a Certified Flight Instrument Instructor(CFII )at age 19 and ATP at age 21. The four years at WMAA were the most wonderful, challenging years of my life and I wouldn't change them for the world. As a freshman, I was quite shy when it came to any leadership role. I didn't want to be seen as bossy or a know-it-all like I was told I was in middle school. However, when sophomore year rolled around I became involved in the weightlifting club. Our school advisor was our club lead and he saw something in me that I couldn't see in myself. He choose me as an underclassman to represent our school at our annual Gala event(which is our main fundraiser event for the year). The Gala is no small thing, we invite over 800 donors there including Dick and Besty DeVos. I got to talk with them one-on-one at the Gala. I was in awe of all of the incredible people around me and the fact that someone thought I had the capabilities to represent our school. After sophomore year, I couldn't stop my self from becoming more and more involved in leadership roles. I was treasurer and secretary for our student council 2 years in a row, I was vice president for one year and then promoted the following year to president of the Women in STEAM club, I was Cofounder of the Student Positivity Club, CoMentor Lead and Treasurer of National Honors Society, Gala ambassador for 3 years, Flight Training Center ambassador, Unmanned Aerial Systems ambassador, Student Tour and Shadow Guide, New Student Orientation Leader, Student Commencement Leader, and Sideline and Competitive cheer coach. Somewhere along the way, I realized that being a leader is not about being a bossy, know-it-all but about so much more. I am definitely not as good of a leader as some but I try my best every day to help others. I want to lead by example and so I work hard to pursue my dreams. Aviation is a community so if I can help one person with the dream to fly I would consider that success for all.

As a female in high school, I face the problem of unexpected period cramps during the school day. It is quite hard to focus on class content when you have spasms of pain radiating in your abdomen. I am president of Women in STEAM at my high school. During our first meeting of the year, we were brainstorming ideas for our big project of the year and someone mentioned the idea of helping girls with period pain. Our club voted on it and we all decided that would be our project. We decided that we did not want to involve the use of pain relievers because that type of experiment would be too complex and hard to obtain quantitative data. I knew that pressure points helped people with motion sickness so I started researching pressure points that help with abdominal pain. I then found articles about the effectiveness of pressure points that help with pain management. At our next meeting, we decided to break into 3 large groups to target 3 specific pressure points located on the body, the lower back, hand, and ankle. In each group, we had to design an accessory that was easily disguisable in day-to-day life. I was in the ankle group so we wanted to focus on "hiding in plain sight". We started with a concept of socks that contained a button or bead that would continually apply pressure to the desired point. We decided that socks were too complex because not all socks fit people in the same way so there was no way to make sure the bead/button had the correct placement. Then we came up with the idea of an anklet. It would be easily adjustable, practically invisible to the naked eye, and inexpensive for women. We researched how to make string anklets and designed 4 different prototypes. We made anklets as one with a skinny band with a bead, a large band with a bead, a skinny band with a button, and a large band with a button. We decided the best way to test them would be on one person so that the level of pain scale would be constant. Megan, who had the worst period out of all of us, was our tester. Every day she would wear a new band and at 3 times during the day, she would report her level of pain. We also made a control group so one day she did not wear any prototype. Overall, she reported that the anklet with the large band and bead reduced her pain the most out of all the prototypes and was overall reduced by 42%. If I had the money, equipment, and experience the problem that I would solve would be the management of prescription medication at pharmacies. My mother, father, and sister are nurses and constantly they are complaining about how long it takes to contact a pharmacy to inquire about what prescriptions they carry and whether they can supply them to their patients. I would like to design a software/database where all pharmacies could report what current drugs they carry. Attached to that database I would add insurance information because insurances have different policies about coverages for medication. It is quite tiresome for doctors, nurses, and patients to not only find a place that supplies their drug but also if their insurance will be able to cover the cost. This database could speed up the amount of time it takes for patients to get their necessary medication and streamline the process for doctors and nurses so they can spend more time helping more people.

My favorite tech innovation in the last 10 years is the devolvement of the software named ForeFlight. ForeFlight is a software that is designed to help make flight planning easier for pilots. As a pilot myself, I have realized how difficult it is to gather all of the information that is necessary for the safety of a flight. You have to access many different websites and rely on information that may not be accurate to the actual flight conditions. With ForeFlight you have access to all of your information in one single app. It has airport diagrams, NOTAMs, METARS, TAFS, and flight planning abilities. It really does make life a lot simpler for a pilot. You no longer have to buy new sectional charts, chart supplements, and FAR/AIMs every month because Foreflight updates daily. Foreflight even has its own information that can help a pilot be more prepared for their upcoming flight. It offers MOS capabilities and daily forecasts for extended periods of time. You can access it on a phone or an iPad, which allows you to significantly reduce the amount of equipment you have to take on board, therefore, reducing the amount of weight in the airplane and clutter in the cockpit. It also prepares young pilots for what their future will look like as airline pilots. All airline pilots use electronic flight bags instead of paper so introducing electronics to flight students at a lower stage will improve their proficiency in accessing all pertinent information when flying professionally. My future studies include obtaining my associate degree through Muskegon Community College and finishing my flight training through the Alumni program at West Michigan Aviation Academy(WMAA). I want to become a successful airline pilot by the time I turn twenty-three. By becoming a pilot I hope to promote women in the field of Aviation. Currently, at WMAA there is a ratio of 1 girl for every 3 guys. I do not believe this is an acceptable ratio. Women have the ability to fly a plane just as well as a man. I am currently President of the Women in STEAM club at my school and a member of Women in Aviation. I try my hardest to promote interest not only in Aviation but all STEM fields. When I was first starting out at WMAA I constantly felt intimidated by the fact that we have no female CFI's at our school. Even this year I have received comments from my fellow peers about my gender relating to becoming a pilot. Becoming resigned about inappropriate/snide comments is not okay. I want to be the strong woman that young girls will see but not have to look up to. I want to get to the point where a female pilot doesn't have to be idolized for her accomplishments, it will simply be the accepted norm. There are just not enough female pilots in this world and I am preparing to change that.

I am literally Maverick(from Top Gun). I am a high school senior at West Michigan Aviation Academy(WMAA). I am 17 years old, a Private Pilot, and a Commerical Drone Pilot. I spend most of my days studying, which is not unique to a high schooler, but I study Aviation. I love flying. On my weekends off of work, I don't go out to parties, I get in an airplane and fly around. My hobbies include watching animal documentaries, learning about theoretical physics, and eating Oreos dunked in water(which I have been told is weird). I have an obsession with aquatic animals. I firmly believe that the Megalodon could still be alive. We have explored so little of the oceans and space, and it fascinates me. Recently I discovered that white holes(the reversal of a black hole) are statically probable. This opens the discussion of multi-dimensional travel which is quite intriguing. I also refuse to eat Oreos straight out of the package. It hurts my mouth so I will dunk them in water. I don't want to say I am a 1-in-a-million kid because I am not, I am actually pretty normal. I like Tiktok, eating junk food, energy drinks, sleeping in, and procrastinating(like any normal teen). However, I would say I'm unique in myself. I am always looking for new things to learn. I love going down the rabbit hole of informational YouTube videos at midnight. At WMAA the mandatory requirement to graduate is 100 service hours. I have accumulated over the past four years more than 150 hours. I believe that by donating your time to your community, you are making the whole world a better place. I am also Co-mentor lead of the National Honors Society at WMAA. This year we focused on making student lives easier. We made a school map for freshmen who need help finding their classrooms, a period drive for girls who unexpectedly start their period at school, and an upperclassman course review guide for students curious about what next year's classes are like. I spend time volunteering at the Humane Society, coaching competitive and sideline cheerleading, taking care of children in the nursery at my church, and volunteering at Young Eagle events. Being an active member of my community is important to me. One of my goals for the future is to create a scholarship for students at WMAA to help pay for the flight program because Aviation is quite an expensive field to go into. I want to be a person who helps mentor and promote people in all of their dreams.

Aviate, Navigate, Communicate. These are the three laws that govern all pilots around the world, myself included. I am a high school senior at West Michigan Aviation Academy(WMAA). WMAA is a public charter school which teaches willing students how to be a pilot. I recently got my Private Pilot License and my Part 107 Commerical Drone License through WMAA. I love to fly. I believe that there is nothing more beautiful or challenging than flying an airplane. My first ride in an airplane was eighth grade year. The entire flight I was bothering the flight attendants, asking them everything they knew about Aviation. When I got home from my trip I researched how to become a pilot. I was so excited until I found out that flight school costs a fortune. I live in a small town and I was so scared I would never get the chance to fly. Then one day I heard about WMAA and I has ecstatic. I still had to pay to fly but it was reduced because WMAA is a highschool. These past four years have been the best years of my life because I am constantly submerged in Aviation. What I love about Aviation is that there is always room for improvement. I have always been the top of my class. I work hard to get top grades and challenge myself academically. However with flying there is never a point where you can say you are the best pilot ever. Aviation is like a drug(IMSAFE). It's intoxicating and addictive once you start which is why I never plan on quitting. I love being able to travel and explore the world. I want to try new things and experience new cultures. When I fly I shut out all of the outside information and focus solely on what is most important, flying the airplane. Flying allows your to see the world from a whole new perspective. After I graduate from highschool I plan on attending Muskegon Community College for my general associates degree so that I can possibly transfer to a University for my bachelor's degree in Aerospace management. I also plan on continuing my flight training through WMAA's Alumni program. My goal is to complete my associates degree and my licenses up to CFII within two years after graduating highschool. After I graduate I plan on being a CFI or working as aerobatic pilot until I am 23. Then when I am 23 I play on getting my ATP through Delta. My final goal is to be hired by Lufthansa and fly internationally. The person who inspires me the most is one of my CFI's. Mr. Pavey is the head of the Aviation department at WMAA and my main CFI. He was the one who flew with me for my last flights before my checkride. He is an ex-navy pilot. After a long carrier flying F-18s he still enjoys flying C172s with students who are, in his words, "trying to kill him". He is constantly pushing his students to be work harder and be a better PIC. He holds me to high expectations and challenges me in all my areas of weakness. I want to be a great pilot like him one day. He is positive, driven, and enthusiastic about everything Aviation. He is the one who encouraged me to get my Part 107 Commerical Drone License. Becoming a pilot takes a lot of work but I am ready for my life long journey of being a PIC.

Aviation is life. It sounds cliche but that is honestly how I feel. I am a high school senior at West Michigan Aviation Academy(WMAA). WMAA is a public/charter high school that teaches students about the fundamentals of aerospace. Through WMAA I have been able to get my Private Pilots License and Part 107 Commerical Drone license. I have spent the last 4 years of my life being completely submersed in Aviation and they have been the best years of my life. I am a person who is goal driven. From a young age, I've had my whole life planned out. I was going to be an aerospace physicist, live in Breckenridge Colorado, and work for NASA. However, I always felt like I wasn't pushing myself to grow. During my eighth-grade year, I went on my first flight to California. That flight opened my eyes to a whole new world. My Father and Grandfather both were in the airforce so I knew a little bit about aviation but that flight is what made me realize I wanted to be a pilot. Later on, after the flight, I realized I had no idea how to become a pilot. I live in a small country town, in which, the biggest machine is a 4-track Jon Deer Tractor. One day my Grandfather told me of this school near his work that instructs students how to fly. It only took me 1 hour of research on WMAA's website to figure out that this was the place for me. Attending WMAA was no easy choice because that meant I was leaving all of my childhood friends but I knew that it was the right one for me. WMAA has pushed me to become the best person I can become. To graduate from WMAA I was required to have at least 100 hours of community service hours. I have ended up getting over 150 hours of community service. I believe that by taking care of your community, your community will take care of you. I have spent time volunteering at animal shelters, coaching 3rd-4th grade cheerleading, taking care of children during service at church, and helping out at Young Eagles events. I try to stay as busy as possible because as my CFI tells me "If you're not doing something, something is not getting done." After I graduate I plan on attending Muskegon Community College which is near where I live and continuing my flight training through the Alumni program at WMAA. I am planning on getting my general associate degree and all of my licenses up to CFII within two years of graduating high school. My overall goal is to become an airline pilot by the time I am twenty-three years old. I can confidently tell you that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life because I love flying. Every day you get to see and learn something new. Every day I have to try my hardest to develop the skills of a good PIC. I am not afraid of the work ahead of me and I know that aviation is/will always be my life.

It all started with a bang! Sadly, that is not how my story goes. I wish I had one of those great stories that have the moment when I just knew I wanted to be a pilot, but I don't. I always think about my future. It is one of my favorite daydreams. However, as a kid I found it really difficult to pick a field to go into that I was passionate about. I was one of those kids that had to be the smartest in the class and had their entire future planned out. I really enjoyed math and science classes so I thought maybe going into the medical field like my parents. However, once I got into dissections in eighth grade I realized that wasn't for me. During eighth grade, a lot of things started to shift my focus to aviation. During eighth grade, I got to fly for the first time. I really loved it. It was so beautiful up above the clouds and I loved the idea of traveling. My first flight is what initially got me thinking about aviation. However, during that time, I thought it wasn't really feasible for me based on where I went to school. I live in a tiny farming town named Grant. We may have a lot of big tractors but not a lot of big airplanes. The second thing that triggered my interest was when, one day while on a walk, my grandpa told me of a high school right next to the Grand Rapids airport that taught high schoolers how to fly. Now, the Grand Rapids airport is still an hour away from my house but my grandpa happened to work at GE avionics right next to the airport. He said that if I got into WMAA then he would drive me to school every day. This was the final puzzle piece that needed to fall into place, however, I was really scared to leave all of my friends behind. I had grown up in this town, and I knew everyone in it. I also wasn't sure if I wanted to give up music just yet. The music program at Grant is huge and WMAA doesn't have one. I spent about a week thinking about my decision. Did I really want to jump headfirst into a pool of aviation that I knew nothing about? Well, I did, and I do not regret it for a second. I love WMAA. Every day I get to sit and listen to lectures about aerodynamics and aircraft performance. I am currently on track, thanks to WMAA, to get my Part 107 Drone license along with my Private Pilots license by the time I graduate. I can see my future clearly. I have already passed my First Class medical certificate and I am ready to see what college has for me. When I daydream about my future I first see college. I would like a college where I can achieve my Bachelor's Degree in Aviation and a flight program where I can work my way up to CFI or CFII. I have many colleges in mind, like Embry-Riddle or Florida Tech, but out-of-state tuition is really high. If I got this scholarship I would use it to help make my dreams of becoming a pilot come true. I would be able to go to a college that has a program that fits my wants and needs so that I can become a great pilot.

Have you ever taken a walk to clear your head? I hike a mountain to clear mine. My fasionation with the sky came from a young age. My earliest memories are of rocky slopes, and wind that nips your nose. But what I mostly remember are the peaks, where you could see for miles and watch the sunrise. Since I don't live by mountains, I am constantly training for the next time I get to reach up and touch the sky. I feel the true deep call within myself to get back out there, stronger than I was before. School is constantly pushing my free time back, but I always make time to go running, or to climb stairs. I work hard in school, but when I get over stressed for a big exam, I just put in my headphones and start running towards the open sky. It feels like my heart is bursting with sunrays when I hear Billy Joel's voice singing in my ear. I may not be the fastest runner but what I'm doing is for myself only. It fills me with a feeling of accomplishment and puts a smile to my face. It feels so good to push my body because that is who I am. A girl that just wants to touch the sky.