The National Aviation Exploring Committee recently awarded scholarships to 10 Explorers based on a variety of criteria, including aviation career goals, community service and leadership.
The Aviation Exploring Scholarships are made possible through the generosity of donations from the following companies, organizations and individuals; Air Line Pilots Association, Aircraft Electronics Assocation, Aircraft Spruce, AOPA, Aspen Avionics, Bose, David Clark Company, Inc., Orison B. Curpier Company, EAA, ForeFlight, Garmin, General Aviation News, Lightspeed Aviation, Parrish-O’Neill, Sandy & Hal Shevers, Signature Flight Support, Sporty’s Foundation, Sun-n-Fun, and Trade A Plane.
The 2012 scholarships and their recipients are as follows:
Professional Aviation Degree – $10,000: Luke Carrico, Evansville, Ind.: This fall, Luke will be attending Indiana State University, where he will be enrolled in the bachelor‘s program for Professional Aviation Flight Technology. Currently, he is completing his private pilot certification. In addition to being an Explorer, Luke has been very involved with the local Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). Most recently, he assisted with the operations for the Evansville Freedom Festival Show. Luke graduated from F.J. Reitz High School, where he lettered on the swim/dive team and speech team.
Pilot – $3,000: Kendra Tally, Sylmar, Calif.: Kendra is very involved with her local Aviation Exploring Post. 
She serves as the vice-president for the Post and is responsible for planning and arranging the meetings, programs, and field trips. Kendra is also very active with the Experimental Aircraft Association. She has served on several ground crews, including Young Eagles events, air shows, fly-ins, and high school career opportunity seminars. Kendra has actively served as a ground crew member and activity helper for Challenge Air, an event for physically-challenged children. Her goal is to earn her private pilot certificate.
Pilot – $3,000: James Edward Sprague, Fort Wayne, Ind.: As a 17 year old high school student, James is very passionate about flying. He has set challenging and specific goals to become a private pilot before graduating from high school. For his higher education, James has his sights set on being accepted to the Naval Academy or Purdue University. Currently, James serves as the president of his local Aviation Exploring Post. Also, he is actively involved as a member of the Civil Air Patrol, the community theater, and fall sports programs.
Pilot – $3,000: Carl Bloecher, Columbus, Ohio: After graduating from high school, Carl’s ambition is to
enroll in the Aeronautical Science degree program at Palm Beach State College in Florida. His career goal is to become an EMS helicopter pilot. For the past two years, Carl has been a member of Aviation Exploring Post 2009. In addition, he is active with his church, the local YMCA, Upper Arlington High School’s track & field camp, and the Upper Arlington Civic Association. Carl was on the honor roll from 2006 to 2012 and was named a National Honor Society Inductee in 2012.
Maintenance – $3,000: Bryce Lynch, San Antonio, Texas: Bryce is a senior in high school located in Dripping Springs, Texas. After graduating, he plans on attending
Hallmark College in San Antonio, Texas. Bryce’s ambitious goals are to complete the Airframe and Powerplant Certfication program and to earn his private pilot certificate. Bryce is currently a student pilot. In addition, he is an active member of the high school band and debate team.
Maintenance – $3,000: William Janus, Belchertown, Mass.: William is a freshman at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, where he is majoring in Aeronautical Science.. His goals are to earn the commercial pilot, flight instructor rating, and the Airframe & Powerplant rating. Prior to college, William earned his private pilot certificate. After graduation, he will pursue a career as a corporate pilot or airline pilot. William established the first Aviation Explorer Post in Western Massachusetts, and was instrumental in recruiting all necessary positions. In addition, William is an Eagle Scout and has been an active participant in band, lacrosse, ski team, and many local volunteer projects.
Avionics – $3,000: Geronald Brown, Compton, Calif.: Geronald’s ultimate goal is to become a certified flight instructor (CFI). Geronald actively served in several leadership positions for his school and community. He has served as the battalion captain for the California Cadet Corps, activities chair for the Youth Leadership Service, defensive line captain for the high school football team, High School Senior Mentor, and mentor for the Tomorrow’s Aeronautical Museum. He is a member of the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, Air Force Officer Training Corps, and Experimental Aircraft Association.
Avionics – $3,000: Eric Austin, Mesa, Ariz.: Eric is a senior in the aerospace program at the South
Mountain High School located in Phoenix, Arizona. One of Eric’s greatest accomplishments was to overcome reading challenges to become a member of the National Honor Society. He is president of the Air Traffic Control Club at the high school and serves as a lifeguard for the YMCA. After graduating, Eric plans on attending the Embry- Riddle Aeronautical University, where he will earn a degree in Aeronautical Engineering or Aeronautical Science. After completing the degree, Eric will enroll in the Air Force’s Undergraduate Pilot Training Program.
Management- $3,000: Harrison Liu, Savannah, Ga.: Harrison Liu will be entering Mercer University’s Aerospace Engineering program in the fall. His future goal is to earn a doctorate degree in Aerospace Engineering from Georgia Tech and be employed in the Research & Development Division of Gulfstream. In addition to being an Explorer, Harrison is active with the Civil Air Patrol, Future Business Leaders of America, Technology Student Association, Island Christian Church and the Islands Methodist Church. He has volunteered for many organizations, including Ronald McDonald House, Second Harvest Food Bank, Operation Christmas Child, and Creative Technology Camp.
Management- $3,000: Evan Cole Burgess, Morgantown, NC: Evan’s long-range goal is to become a United
States Naval Flight Surgeon. Before entering medical school, Evan is planning to complete the certification course for his private pilot license. Currently, he serves as the president of his Aviation Exploring Post, a volunteer for the Hickory Aviation Museum, and is becoming an officer in the Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. In addition, Evan has served as ground crew member for EAA AirVenture, and Young Eagles. His accomplishments include winning the American Legion’s Oratorical Constitutional Speech Contest and the President’s Award for Educational Excellence.
