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Mya Gardner

1x

Finalist

General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • Aerospace
  • Athletic Training
  • Aviation
  • Band
  • Color Guard
  • Flying And Aviation
  • Ice Skating
  • Track and Field

Reading

  • Romance

I read books multiple times a week.

Bio

Upon graduating from Cumberland High School, I will be attending the University of North Dakota. Through the University, I will be double majoring in Commercial Aviation and Aviation Management, to become an Airline Pilot with an aspiration to open a flight school. While obtaining these majors, I will acquire ratings and certifications, one of which is a CFI (Certified Flight Instructor). As my time as a CFI I plan to come back to my hometown, hoping to inspire young aviators as myself. I strive to give them the opportunity that they never thought was possible, in hopes to achieve their dreams and goals. While aviation is something I am passionate about, it's not the only thing I spend my time doing. I strongly believe in the importance of volunteering, and being present in the community. I have frequently volunteered at Ruby's Food Pantry, and multiple soup kitchens located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. I have also frequently volunteered through the school system, raising funds for clubs/teams, volunteering at sporting events for all levels, and donating my time in the library. I also teach Sunday school, and voluntarily coach figure skating, where I strive to implement confidence and knowledge into my students. In my free time, I enjoy practicing pole vault. I currently hold the school record, and have a goal of making it to the state championship this year. I attend a camp 3 hours away 2 days a week to help achieve my goal. As our track program is limited on coaches, I act as a volunteer coach for the pole vault event, teaching teammates proper form, technique, and mindset.

Education

Cumberland High

High School

2022 – 2026

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Majors of interest:
Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering, Air Transportation
Desired degree modality:
In-Person
Medical school interest:
No

Career

  • Server/Hostess, delivered customer service by taking orders, serving food, and ensuring a positive dining experience. Managed guest seating, coordinated reservations, and maintained organization during busy shifts.

    Food & Beverages · Bona Casa LLC

    Jan 2022 – Jan 2026

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Airlines/Aviation
Work experience:
6 years
Has nursing license:
No

Future Interests

  • Volunteering
Ali Safai Memorial Scholarship
As soon as I felt the wheels lift off the runway during my first flight, I knew that aviation would become one of my life’s greatest passions. I have always been passionate about aviation, but it wasn't until a tragic aircraft accident that happened within our family where I shifted my passion from not only aviation but the importance of the safety aspect of it as well. I have taken many opportunities to install the importance of aviation safety into not only myself, but other aviation enthusiasts as well. Following this young eagle flight, I was fortunate to be connected with a local group of mentors becoming a member of a local Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Wisconsin Chapter 631. From here I was able to connect with and become a member of a local aviation chapter in Cumberland, Wisconsin, Lake Point Aero Club, as well as the local chapter in Shell Lake, Wisconsin. Through further exploration, I then became an active member of a Women’s Aviation chapter locally, Stars of the North via Woodbury, Minnesota, as well as Women in Aviation. Eagerly I participated in many young eagle’s events, monthly chapter meetings, as well as monthly educational meetings to expand my knowledge in aviation. Through this involvement I not only had the opportunity to learn, I also developed meaningful connections, lifelong mentorships, and the passion to inspire the youth. As a first-generation pilot, I have been fortunate to have mentors guide me toward achieving my dream. I, as well as others that engage in aviation, are aware of the financial challenges that come with pursuing a career in this field. As an EAA Ray Scholar, I was fortunate to receive funding for my Private Pilot License which has been critical in helping me take the first step toward my career goal. During this time holding one part-time job also turned into three part-time jobs to begin saving toward my education. In addition to learning to overcome the financial challenge, as a student pilot who started flight training as a junior in high school, I began to understand the time dedication. Aviation now my focus, I went from being involved in three high school sports to being active in one. I then was able to adjust my high school schedule from taking all high school classes in person to be approved to move into taking a mix of high school courses online in addition to beginning college courses. I demonstrated discipline by turning into an aviation student who spent many hours studying which in result lead to missing out occasional social gatherings. I realized why my mentors would frequently use the saying “If it was easy everyone would do it”, and I now say the same thing. Although flight training completely changed my schedule and the way I went about each day, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to experience it and become one step closer to the lifelong career that carries much of my passion. I have since earned my Private Pilot License on September 20th, 2026, shortly after my 17th birthday and this has proved to me why everything I did was worth it. Recently I have been utilizing my license to build flight hours and confidence in the air, as well as to share with others the joy of aviation by providing flights to those who have supported me thus far. My ultimate career goal is to become a pilot who connects people with the places they love, while also mentoring and becoming a role model for future aviators.
Kyle Rairdan Memorial Aviation Scholarship
As soon as I felt the wheels lift off the runway during my first flight, I knew that aviation would become one of my life’s greatest passions. Following this young eagle flight, I was fortunate to be connected with a local group of mentors becoming a member of a local Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Wisconsin Chapter 631. From here I was able to connect with and become a member of a local aviation chapter in Cumberland, Wisconsin, Lake Point Aero Club, as well as the local chapter in Shell Lake, Wisconsin. Through further exploration, I then became an active member of a Women’s Aviation chapter locally, Stars of the North via Woodbury, Minnesota, as well as Women in Aviation. Eagerly I participated in many young eagle’s events, monthly chapter meetings, as well as monthly educational meetings to expand my knowledge in aviation. Through this involvement I not only had the opportunity to learn, I also developed meaningful connections, lifelong mentorships, and the passion to inspire the youth. As a first-generation pilot, I have been fortunate to have mentors guide me toward achieving my dream. I, as well as others that engage in aviation, are aware of the financial challenges that come with pursuing a career in this field. As an EAA Ray Scholar, I was fortunate to receive funding for my Private Pilot License which has been critical in helping me take the first step toward my career goal. During this time holding one part-time job also turned into three part-time jobs to begin saving toward my education. In addition to learning to overcome the financial challenge, as a student pilot who started flight training as a junior in high school, I began to understand the time dedication. Aviation now my focus, I went from being involved in three high school sports to being active in one. I then was able to adjust my high school schedule from taking all high school classes in person to be approved to move into taking a mix of high school courses online in addition to beginning college courses. I demonstrated discipline by turning into an aviation student who spent many hours studying which in result lead to missing out occasional social gatherings. I realized why my mentors would frequently use the saying “If it was easy everyone would do it”, and I now say the same thing. Although flight training completely changed my schedule and the way I went about each day, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to experience it and become one step closer to the lifelong career that carries much of my passion. I have since earned my Private Pilot License on September 20th, shortly after my 17th birthday and this has proved to me why everything I did was worth it. Recently I have been utilizing my license to build flight hours and confidence in the air, as well as to share with others the joy of aviation by providing flights to those who have supported me thus far. My ultimate career goal is to become a pilot who connects people with the places they love, while also mentoring and becoming a role model for future aviators. I aspire to make a meaningful impact on the industry by sharing my love for aviation, promoting safety, and inspiring others to pursue their own in and outside of aviation.
Mya Gardner Student Profile | Bold.org