Three recipients have been selected by the Alaska Air Carriers Association for the 2012 Forrest Jones Memorial Scholarships.
This years’ recipients each exemplify the attitude and commitment which the Forrest Jones Memorial Scholarship seeks to perpetuate in Alaska aviation, according to AACA officials. Each have been awarded a $3,000 scholarship. They will receive the awards on Thursday, Feb. 23, at the organization’s annual awards banquet to be held at the Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge.
The scholarship memorializes Forrest Jones, who made a significant contribution to aviation in the State of Alaska during his 40 years supporting aircraft. He was a dedicated aviation maintenance professional and role model who combined innovative thinking and a common-sense approach to everyday problems. His maintenance philosophy of “fixing it right, by the book” was combined with a high degree of professionalism and integrity.
Winners are:
SAMUEL WARNER (ANCHORAGE): Samuel Warner is a senior at Dimond High and is also completing training at the Elmendorf Aero Club Flight Training Center. In 8th grade, he was voted “Most Likely to Become an Astronaut” because of his intense interest in flight. At 15 he took his first flight at the Aero Club on Elmendorf, and while in high school has simultaneously completed his ground school training, flight training, and flight solo, obtaining his pilot’s license at 17. Since then he has earned an endorsement for high performance aircraft and the mountain flying endorsement. Samuel has volunteered during airshows and teaching teens flight dynamics. He has completed numerous AOPA online courses and has the John King Instructor endorsement. He has studied for and taught basic ground school, and has his FAA basic ground instructor certification.
Samuel is also a member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, and is the youngest member in Alaska. He has advanced as a Seamanship Specialist and is qualified as a Vessel Examiner, frequently conducting vessel safety checks on private boats. He can be found occasionally on patrol and training exercises as a crew member on the USCG search and rescue vessel out of Whittier. Samuel is the Auxiliary’s youngest Flotilla Staff Officer, and coordinates inspections of navigational aids, weather buoys, and chart updates. In addition to these professional and service activities, Samuel has worked a part time job. He intends to complete his multi-engine CFI with an IFR rating while he gets his BS in Engineering with a minor in Business Administration, and will continue teaching ground school and being a flight instructor.
RYAN HASKINS (DUTCH HARBOR): Ryan graduated from Unalaska City High School and plans to attend UAA and get a degree in Aviation Technology. Ryan’s family has a long heritage in aviation. His great-grandfather was an officer in the Hungarian air force before the German invasion, and escaped to America. Ryan’s grandfather was a pilot and airport manager, who took Ryan flying during summer visits.
Ryan’s references describe him as a conscientious, humble, and hard-working young man who is committed to bettering himself academically and athletically. It was said that he unfailingly does the right thing and sets an example for others. He is graduating with a 4.0GPA and is a team leader on the Varsity Cross Country Running team. During the summers he has worked as a life guard at the local pool and as a construction labor. Ryan intends to never leave the aviation profession and wants to always remain in Alaska.
QUINTON P METCALF (ANCHORAGE): When he was 11, Quinton flew from South Dakota to Alaska with his father, and became passionate about flying. He began researching his chosen profession while in junior high school. He has been accepted at UAA in the Aviation Technology program with an emphasis on professional piloting. Quinton has maintained a 4.0GPA in high school and is characterized as having outstanding character qualities and maintaining a consistent sense of purpose, exceeding all requirements in honors and advanced courses.
Quinton has held officer positions throughout his schooling and been active in sports. He has volunteered to mentor younger students and lead study groups. In addition, Quinton has been working part time through the school year. His employer states that he displays a rare combination of great intelligence, wisdom, attention to detail, drive, diligence, superior interpersonal skills and a good sense of humor. Quinton is currently entering stage two of the private pilot training curriculum and consistently performs above and beyond expectations.
For more information: 907 277-0071, AlaskaAirCarriers.org
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