My dreams of flight began in infancy, with airplanes decorating my nursery. From a young age, I was drawn to aviation through airshows, my dad’s interests, and my collection of military toys. As I grew older, my dreams gained clarity. At age twelve, I met the A-10 demo team at an airshow in Cocoa Beach, which inspired a stronger focus on a military career. By freshman year of high school, I was already researching pathways into the military while most of my peers hadn’t yet considered future careers. My parents instilled in me the importance of serving the community. In elementary school, I packed meals for food-insecure students to take home for the weekend. This early experience sparked a lifelong desire to help others. In middle school, I began volunteering with Elev8hope, where I witnessed the needs of homeless or at-risk youth. Over the years, I helped organize Thanksgiving meals and holiday drives that served thousands. As a member of the Student Board of Directors, I helped raise nearly $10,000 for the House of Blessings—a temporary shelter for single parents—funding essentials like laundry machines, refrigerators, and shelving. In high school, I became highly involved with Jensen Beach High School’s AFJROTC program and was a varsity sailor for two years. I also spent two summers volunteering as a camp counselor assistant. Through AFJROTC and Elev8hope, I contributed over 300 volunteer hours, a milestone I’m deeply proud of. Social media further fueled my passion to serve. I connected with military personnel through Instagram and sought guidance on shaping my future. At fifteen, I began exploring local aviation opportunities, which led me to the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). My mom and I attended our first meeting in January 2022, and I was amazed by the aviation community on the Treasure Coast. I quickly got involved and began volunteering at our local airshow, which I’ve now done for three years. The EAA has played a critical role in my aviation journey. I’ve formed meaningful relationships with pilots and veterans who helped guide my goals and degree path. Through them, I earned my private pilot’s license as their first Ray Scholar. I also attended the EAA AirVenture camp, where I gained hands-on experience in aviation mechanics and deepened my passion for flight. I’ve been accepted to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Uncrewed Aircraft Systems. I plan to join the AFROTC unit there and commission into the United States Air Force after graduation. My goal is to earn a pilot slot, but I’ll be proud to work with military aircraft in any capacity. I hope to make the Air Force my career while continuing to support the EAA wherever I’m stationed. Veterans Day is especially meaningful to me, as it coincides with our local airshow. Since it’s a holiday at Embry-Riddle, I’ll be able to return each year and continue volunteering at one of the nation’s best airshows. Thank you for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship. It would mean the world to help a student like me pursue a lifelong dream of service and aviation.