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Shawn Leonard

505

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

Education

Des Moines Public Schools - Central Campus

High School
2023 - 2024

Dallas Center-Grimes High School

High School
2020 - 2024

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Majors of interest:

    • Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
    • Air Transportation
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Airlines/Aviation

    • Dream career goals:

      To be a Delta airline pilot

      Sports

      Baseball

      Junior Varsity
      2020 – 20222 years

      Golf

      Junior Varsity
      2021 – 20232 years

      Public services

      • Volunteering

        MS Moments — Support and helping run fundraising events
        2019 – Present

      Future Interests

      Volunteering

      Entrepreneurship

      Joseph Lipovits Memorial Aviation Scholarship
      My ultimate goal and reason for pursuing an aviation degree is to become a pilot for Delta Airlines, but it’s more than just a career choice; it’s my lifelong dream. Ever since I was a child, I have been fascinated by aviation and the thrill of flight. My uncle has been one of my biggest inspirations because he was a Navy pilot and also a pilot for Southwest Airlines. I was always fascinated by the pictures I saw of him in his flight suit and all the stories he would describe of his experience in the Navy. As I grew older, this fascination turned into a passion, driving me to pursue a career in aviation. My journey towards becoming a pilot for Delta Airlines began with rigorous academic and practical preparation. I dedicated myself to my studies, making sure to always prioritize exceptional grades. Additionally, I sought out opportunities to gain practical experience through opportunities like the Central Campus aviation program which include a part-147 maintenance program and a private pilot ground school. In my opinion the collegiate route is the best choice for me because it will help prepare me in the best way possible for the future. I believe a bachelor’s degree is the best option for me that will provide an advantage in the aviation field as opposed to just going to a flight school. The college I will be attending, Minnesota State University in Mankato, is an R-ATP school which means I will need less flight hours making it a more efficient choice. By attending college, I will gain lots of other experience and knowledge in other fields of study. In addition, they also are part of the Delta propel program. Ideally, I will apply and be accepted to Delta’s collegiate program which will help me excel in my career and advance me towards my dream of being a Delta Airlines pilot. However, my path to becoming a pilot has not been without challenges. The financial burden associated with flight training is significant, and it has been a constant obstacle on my journey. Despite these challenges, my determination and passion for aviation hasn’t wavered. Throughout my childhood and teenage years, I have been very involved in my community and very interested in helping others. One example of this is the many hours I have volunteered with the organization MS Moments. My mom is a board member of this foundation, and a very close family friend is the founder and also an MS patient. My mom and I have both spent many hours supporting this cause to raise money and help those affected. Another example of my involvement in the community includes packing meals with Meals for the Heartland and volunteering with The Arthritis Foundation at charity events. Also, as a child for many of my birthdays instead of presents I would ask my friends and family for books to donate to the Children’s hospital and supplies for local animal shelters. Receiving this scholarship would not only alleviate the financial burden of flight training and college but also provide me with the support and encouragement I need to pursue my dreams. With this scholarship, I am confident that I will be able to achieve my goal of becoming a pilot and embarking on a fulfilling career in aviation.
      Kyle Rairdan Memorial Aviation Scholarship
      My ultimate goal and reason for pursuing an aviation degree is to become a pilot for Delta Airlines but it’s more than just a career choice; it’s my lifelong dream. Ever since I was a child, I have been fascinated by aviation and the thrill of flight. My uncle has been one of my biggest inspirations because he was a Navy pilot and also a pilot for Southwest Airlines. I was always fascinated by the pictures I saw of him in his flight suit and all the stories he would describe of his experience in the Navy. As I grew older, this fascination turned into a passion, driving me to pursue a career in aviation. My journey towards becoming a pilot for Delta Airlines began with rigorous academic and practical preparation. I dedicated myself to my studies, making sure to always prioritize exceptional grades. Additionally, I sought out opportunities to gain practical experience through opportunities like the Central Campus aviation program which include a part-147 maintenance program and a private pilot ground school. In my opinion the collegiate route is the best choice for me because it will help prepare me in the best way possible for the future. I believe a bachelor’s degree is the best option for me that will provide an advantage in the aviation field as opposed to just going to a flight school. The college I will be attending, Minnesota State University in Mankato, is an R-ATP school which means I will need less flight hours making it a more efficient choice. By attending college, I will gain lots of other experience and knowledge in other fields of study. In addition, they also are part of the Delta propel program. Ideally, I will apply and be accepted to Delta’s collegiate program which will help me excel in my career and advance me towards my dream of being a Delta Airlines pilot. However, my path to becoming a pilot has not been without challenges. The financial burden associated with flight training is significant, and it has been a constant obstacle on my journey. Despite these challenges, my determination and passion for aviation hasn’t wavered. Throughout my childhood and teenage years, I have been very involved in my community and very interested in helping others. One example of this is the many hours I have volunteered with the organization MS Moments. My mom is a board member of this foundation, and a very close family friend is the founder and also an MS patient. My mom and I have both spent many hours supporting this cause to raise money and help those affected. Another example of my involvement in the community includes packing meals with Meals for the Heartland and volunteering with The Arthritis Foundation of Iowa at charity events. Also, as a child for many of my birthdays instead of presents I would ask my friends and family for books to donate to the Children’s hospital and supplies for local animal shelters. Receiving this scholarship would not only alleviate the financial burden of flight training and college but also provide me with the support and encouragement I need to pursue my dreams. With this scholarship, I am confident that I will be able to achieve my goal of becoming a pilot and embarking on a fulfilling career in aviation.