Some of my fondest memories are of summer airshows with my family. I vividly remember the scorching pavement beneath my feet, the hot summer sun beating down on me, and the distinct, slightly sweet smell of JP-8 jet fuel lingering in the air. The thrilling sight of jets soaring overhead captivated me completely and marked the beginning of my lifelong fascination with aviation. For a long time, I thought becoming a pilot was beyond my reach; in my family, my sister excelled academically, my brother shone athletically, while I quietly sketched in the corner, unsure of my own potential. A turning point came during middle school when I decided to stop doubting myself. Mathematics, which had always been my greatest hurdle, began to make sense through persistence. Around this same time, the film Top Gun: Maverick was released. As cliché as it sounds, this movie profoundly impacted me and made a career in aviation feel genuinely attainable. Inspired, I immersed myself in everything aviation-related, from studying the USAFA + USNA admissions process to eagerly absorbing podcasts filled with wisdom from Air Force and Navy pilots. Every visit to airshows or aviation museums became an opportunity to network with and seek advice from pilots and veterans. Committed to developing more discipline and confidence, I began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and MMA, earning the rank of blue belt on my 16th birthday, and started helping as a coach for the kids' class. To support my aviation goals financially, I took a job at a local restaurant, waking early on weekends and working long, demanding shifts. While my friends are out enjoying their free time, I'm inside, preparing for my future. Despite these sacrifices, the financial barrier to flight training is still significant. I'm currently pursuing my Private Pilot’s License, dedicating countless hours studying the FAR/AIM and practicing circuits on a flight simulator. Leadership has also become a big piece of my identity. In my student council role as the Four Diamonds Mini-THON Committee Representative, I coordinated a virtual childhood cancer fundraising event, leading and guiding a dedicated team of 25 student volunteers. At the 2024 Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils (PASC) Convention, I managed registration, assisted delegates, and formed a cohesive and efficient volunteer team. My leadership style is focused on empathy, accountability, clear communication, and the empowerment of others, all qualities I strive to demonstrate consistently in every aspect of my life, especially in aviation. Receiving the Craig Huffman Memorial Scholarship would significantly ease the financial burden associated with flight lessons and college tuition. This support would help me to focus more intently on my training and academic pursuits, ultimately bringing me closer to my goals and future. Craig Huffman’s legacy of skill, leadership, and mentorship resonates with my own goals and values. I want to honor his memory through dedicated service, continuous self-improvement, and by becoming a leader who inspires and mentors others, just as he did. Thank you for considering my application. Your support would not only help turn my ambitious dreams into reality but would also empower me to make meaningful contributions to aviation and my community.

Some of my fondest childhood memories are of going to airshows with my dad. I can still feel the scorching pavement under my feet, taste the sweet lemonade, and smell the jet fuel lingering in the air, captivated by the thrill and wonder of aviation. From a young age, I was drawn to the skies, but for a long time, I thought becoming a pilot was beyond my reach. In my family, my sister excelled academically, and my brother was athletically gifted, but I was always the one quietly sketching in the corner, unsure of where I fit. I assumed art was my only realistic option, even though it never truly resonated with me. My perspective completely changed during middle school when I decided I was done doubting myself. Math, which had always been my biggest hurdle, started to make more sense with hard work. Around that same time, the movie Top Gun: Maverick came out, and as cliche as it sounds, it did its job well because it sparked a realization in me that military aviation wasn’t just a distant dream; it was actually attainable. From that point, I threw myself into everything aviation-related I could get my hands on. I dove into books like The Air Force Academy Candidate Book by Sue Ross and The Art of Clear Thinking by Hasard Lee. I binge-listened to podcasts filled with stories from Air Force and Navy pilots, eager to absorb their experiences and advice. Whenever I went to airshows or museums, I made sure to chat with pilots and veterans, taking every bit of guidance they offered. As I became more dedicated, I also sought out ways to build discipline and confidence. I began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA, and I took a part-time job at a local café, waking up early on weekends to fund my flight lessons. Now, I’m proudly on track to earn my Private Pilot’s License before graduation, and this fall, I’m taking the ASVAB to start the enlistment process, determined to show my commitment to becoming an Air Force pilot. However, I've recently faced a setback. Because of current military policies, my identity as a transgender individual might temporarily block my path to the Air Force Academy immediately after high school. Initially, that news was devastating, but it hasn’t diminished my dreams. If the direct route isn’t available, I'll adapt. I’m fully prepared to attend a civilian college with an Air Force ROTC program, applying as many times as I can. The Honorable Shawn Long Memorial Scholarship would be an incredible help on my journey. It would significantly ease the financial burden of flight training, essential for my progression toward becoming a military pilot. Additionally, it could assist with college tuition if ROTC becomes my initial path forward. Judge Long’s legacy resonates with me; his dedication to service, integrity, and community inspires my own goals and values. I want to honor his memory by serving my community and country, becoming the first in my family to pursue a military career, and continually pushing myself to make a difference. Thank you for considering me and for supporting students like me who are chasing ambitious dreams with determination and heart.

In my rural Pennsylvania town, student mental health is often overlooked, especially for LGBTQ+ teens like me. The problem isn’t just stigma. It’s structural: cyber schools with limited wellness resources, rural communities with few support options, and a shortage of trained staff. I’ve felt this firsthand, and I’ve watched friends struggle quietly because they didn’t feel safe asking for help. As a student leader, I’ve focused my energy on creating support systems where there were none. As the Four Diamonds (an organization created to support childhood cancer research), Committee Representative for my student council, I organized a school-wide virtual talent show fundraiser to support pediatric cancer care, but I used the platform for more than just raising money, I used it to bring our student body together around joy, expression, and connection. I also serve on my school’s Science Club and NHS, finding ways to tie leadership and service into every aspect of my academic life. What motivates me most is knowing that my contribution helps people feel seen. I’ve been the student who didn’t know where to turn, and I never want anyone else to feel like that. I want to empower others to create change right where they are. Being a changemaker doesn’t mean solving everything. It means showing up, again and again, with courage, care, and the belief that better is possible. That’s the work I’ve started, and the work I intend to keep doing. Looking ahead, I hope to expand my impact through military service. Current policies prevent me from enlisting as a transgender person right after I graduate, but I plan to serve when I am able and advocate for others like me who are ready and willing to defend this country. Service is a birthright of citizenship, and no one should be denied that because of their identity. I want to be part of making sure that never happens again. Thank you sincerely for your consideration.

Tom Holland stands out as my favorite Spider-Man. Each actor who has worn the mask—Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, and Tom Holland—has uniquely captured Peter Parker's personality. His battles, vulnerabilities, and, of course, his humor and heroism. But, Tom Holland introduces a refreshingly youthful perspective to the role. He was just 20 years old in "Spider-Man: Homecoming," a stark contrast to Toby Maguire and Andrew Garfield, who were both in their late 20s when they played the high school version of the character. While I deeply admire Maguire and Garfield's renditions, both of which wonderfully brought Spider-Man to life, Tom Holland's portrayal feels more authentic to the true experience of being a high-schooler, likely because he himself had recently passed through that phase. His performance is characterized by his enthusiasm, innocence, and genuine sense of discovery as he grows into the role of Spider-Man. I appreciate seeing the character's evolution from a wide-eyed teenager to a heroic figure within the expansive Marvel Universe. It is both inspiring and relatable. Spider-Man holds a special place in the hearts of so many, including myself, because of his relatable challenges and the raw, authentic portrayal of his journey. Tom Holland captures the essence of navigating adolescence and the transition into adulthood with a finesse that makes the character even more endearing and real to a generation that sees itself reflected in his trials and triumphs.