SEATTLE, May 10, 2024—The Museum of Flight awarded $276,000 in scholarships to 16 Washington students for post-secondary education and flight training during a ceremony held at the Museum on May 9. The scholarships are awarded each year to students who have participated in The Museum of Flight’s education programs or are enrolled in Raisbeck Aviation High School.
The recipients represent a racial and economic diversity of 77 applicants chosen from 27 school districts. The ceremony was emceed by the Museum’s Vice President of Education, Dr. Dana Riley Black, with additional remarks by the Museum’s President and CEO, Matt Hayes.
“The Museum’s education programs are designed to guide students’ inspiration, exploration and preparation of space and aviation topics. These annual scholarships create a unique bridge from the Museum’s programs to the students’ next steps in their education and careers,” said Dr. Black. “The post-secondary STEM education scholarships are opportunities for high school seniors planning to attend a college, university or trade school in science, technology, engineering or mathematics-related fields, and the flight training scholarships provide opportunities for high school students who want to earn their private pilot license—which is an important first milestone for anyone with aspirations to become a professional pilot or aviation industry professional. We are so proud to see that past recipients have since become commercial pilots and aerospace professionals.”
The 16 scholarship recipients represent nine school districts, and they reported their gender as 57 percent male and 43 percent female. Fourteen percent reported eligibility for Free/Reduced lunch. (Detailed data is available upon request.)
THE AWARDS
One Frank “Sam” and Betty Houston Post-Secondary Scholarship at up to $120,000 towards a degree related to the field of aviation or aerospace.
Five Frank “Sam” and Betty Houston Flight Training Scholarships at $14,000 each for flight instruction to the level of “Single-Engine Land.”
One Alaska Airlines Flight Training Scholarship at up to $14,000 for flight instruction to the level of “Single-Engine Land.”
Three Benjamin L. Ellison Future Pilot Scholarships at up to $14,000 for flight instruction to the level of “Single-Engine Land.”
One Aeronautical Science Pathway Scholarship Recipient at up to $5,000 toward flight training and/or post-secondary studies at a university, college, technical school, or other accredited institution of higher education.
One Stephen and Hazel Eastman Memorial Post-Secondary Scholarship at $5,000 to offset post-secondary expenses.
One Stuart Knopp Memorial Scholarship Recipient at $5,000 to offset post-secondary expenses.
One Jim and Sue Johnson Post-Secondary STEM Education Scholarship Recipient at $5,000 to offset post-secondary expenses.
Two Reba Gilman Endowed Post-Secondary Scholarship Recipients at $5,000 to offset college expenses.
Image: The Museum of Flight 2024 Scholarship recipients at the awards ceremony on May 9.
THE RECIPIENTS
2024 Frank “Sam” and Betty Houston Post-Secondary STEM Education Scholarship Recipient
Up to $120,000 towards a degree related to the field of aerospace
Thien Thang is a senior at Garfield High School in the Seattle School District. He is currently enrolled in the Museum’s Aeronautical Science Pathway program (ASP), part of the Museum’s Teen Volunteers, and has previously participated in the Museum’s Private Pilot Ground School (PPGS). This fall Thang will attend the University of North Dakota and major in Commercial Aviation. His future career plan is to become a commercial airline pilot.
“I had the opportunity to escape from a country with limited resources and a bleak future for impoverished citizens. Upon my departure, I discovered a passion—a goal I am committed to pursuing until I lose the ability to.”
“Following the Museum's teaching, I want to extend my education at one of the best aviation universities in the United States and develop as a leader in aviation. If given the opportunity, I will continue to evolve and prove my worth to the sky.”
2024 Frank “Sam” and Betty Houston Flight Training Scholarship Recipients
Up to $14,000 each toward earning a Private Pilot License
Betül Demir is a senior at Bothell High School in the Northshore School District. She has participated in the Museum’s Private Pilot Ground School (PPGS), Washington Aerospace Scholars program (WAS), and Aeronautical Explorations program (AE). In the fall Demir will attend Central Washington University to major in Professional Pilot and minor in Aviation Management. Her long-term career
goal is to be a commercial airline pilot.
“As a Muslim female in a male dominated field, Betty’s [Betty and Sam Houston sponsor her scholarship] dedication to inclusivity makes me feel encouraged and acknowledged for my capabilities and empowers me to reach my full potential. The Museum opened a lot of doors and provided numerous opportunities for me to further my education and take steps towards becoming an airline pilot.”
Tanner Beard is a junior at Kennedy Catholic High School and resides in the Highline School District. She is currently enrolled in the Museum’s Aeronautical Science Pathway program (ASP) and this summer she will attend the Museum’s Private Pilot Ground School (PPGS) and volunteer with the Museum’s Aerospace Camp Experience (ACE). Beard plans to attend a university and major in Aviation Technology. Long-term, she would like to be an airline pilot or possibly an astronaut.
“Just like so many women in the aviation industry, I understand the effort and commitment required to be taken seriously and respected adequately in a male-dominated field.”
“Through the support and encouraging community within The Museum of Flight, my confidence in my abilities increased significantly and the abundance of knowledge I absorbed made my aspirations feel accomplishable.”
Sam MacCarthy-Grant is a senior at the Center School in the Seattle School District. He is currently enrolled in the Museum’s Aeronautical Science Pathway program (ASP). MacCarthy-Grant will attend Green River College where he will get his bachelors in Aeronautical Science. He plans to fly for Horizon, then for the National Guard. He would eventually like to fly for Alaska and then be a volunteer pilot for Elevated Access.
“I want to become a flight instructor and teach other people how to fly – especially kids like me who identify as LGBTQ or have trouble learning. I want to be a role model and inspire people like me to know that even with whatever struggles they might have that it’s still possible to work as hard as you can and earn your future. Most of all I want to continue to make sure that my younger self would be proud of who I am today.”
Peter Nguyen is a junior at Highline High School in the Highline School District. He is currently enrolled in the Museum’s Aeronautical Science Pathway program (ASP) and has previously participated in the Museum’s Private Pilot Ground School (PPGS). After he graduates high school, Nguyen hopes to attend either Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University or the University of North Dakota with the plan on becoming an Airline Transport Pilot.
“The Museum has helped me pursue a new passion of mine. It was only roughly a year and a half ago that I got interested in aviation, and without The Museum of Flight’s many education programs, I probably wouldn’t have gotten very far. Not only has the Museum enabled me to follow a new passion, but it’s also helped me catch up to others who may have had an interest in aviation for longer than me.”
Ryder Waltmire is a senior at Ballard High School in the Seattle School District. He is currently enrolled in the Museum’s Aeronautical Science Pathway program (ASP) and has previously participated in the Museum’s Aeronautical Explorations program (AE), and the BASL@Home Summer 2020 programming. In the fall, Waltmire will attend the University of North Dakota and major in Commercial Aviation – Fixed Wing and Airport Management. His long-term career goal is to become a commercial airline pilot.
“I can say that joining ASP is the best decision I have made in my entire life. The people are incredible, the content being taught has been engaging, relevant and interesting.
“Doing something a little different every day is very exciting to me. Combining that with aviation, something that I have always loved, I feel that being a professional pilot is the career of my dreams.”
2024 Alaska Airlines Flight Training Scholarship Recipient
Up to $14,000 toward earning a Private Pilot License
Jonah Simons is a senior at Governor John Rogers High School in the Puyallup School District. He has participated in the Museum’s Private Pilot Ground School (PPGS). In the fall Simons will attend the Hillsboro Aero Academy in Oregon and hopes to attend Alaska’s Ascend Pilot Academy. His long-term career goal is to pilot wide-body routes of a passenger airline.
“In order to attend ground school, I had to leave my house at six in the morning to take the train to the Museum and then after class I took a bus to Seattle to connect with the Sounder for the hour-long train ride back to my house. I know what it is to work hard. I have the determination it takes to complete my pilots training and be the best pilot I can be.”
“Flying brings a sense of freedom. I love the calming and peaceful feeling flying brings me. Working as a pilot and flying everyday sounds like a dream.”
2024 Benjamin L. Ellison Future Pilot Scholarship Recipients
Up to $14,000 each toward earning a Private Pilot License
Joel Daniel is a junior at Decatur High School in the Federal Way School District. Daniel is currently enrolled in the Museum’s Aeronautical Science Pathway program (ASP). After high school, Daniel hopes to go to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to earn his bachelors. His long-term career goal is to become a commercial airline pilot.
“It wasn’t until my 9th grade at 15 years old that I built up all the confidence to look my mom in the eyes and say, ‘Mom I want to be a pilot and fly for the airlines in my future.’ I stood my ground and made it clear that this is my life choice and I want to do something that I love and not something that others want for me. My parents saw how firm I was in my career choice and since that day supported me unconditionally to this day.”
Jordan Jackson West is a junior at Thomas Jefferson High School in the Federal Way School District. She is currently enrolled in the Museum’s Aeronautical Science Pathway program (ASP). Her long-term career goal is to be an airline pilot or to work in air traffic control.
“Like most kids, a dream of mine was to fly, but not in a naive way like gaining superpowers or growing wings. I dreamt of flying in a more realistic sense, like becoming a pilot or an astronaut. Without having the opportunity to join the Aeronautical Science Pathway, I did not believe I would ever be able to even touch this dream, and due to being in this program, I have never studied as hard as I am now. I am putting my heart and soul into chasing this dream and will do my best to work as hard as I possibly can to become a commercial pilot or air traffic controller.”
Matthew Tiburcio is a senior at Interlake High School in the Bellevue School District. He has previously participated in the Museum’s Aeronautical Explorations program (AE) and Private Pilot Ground School (PPGS). He is also a Museum Teen Volunteer, where he serves as both an Aviation Pavilion and Great Gallery Ambassador. In the fall Tiburcio will attend the University of Washington where he will major in Mechanical Engineering and minor in Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering. His long-term career goal is to work at an aerospace company designing aircraft.
“I aim to apply the same diligence from learning to fly and to employing myself with the complexity of building and designing machines. Fortified by the things that I will learn, I will give back to the community by designing aircraft and parts that can contribute towards a safer, more enjoyable, and fun experience for future generations of aviators and passengers alike.”
2024 Aeronautical Science Pathway Scholarship Recipient
Up to $5,000 toward flight training or post-secondary education
Zane Johnson is a senior at Tahoma High School in the Tahoma School District. He is currently enrolled in the Museum’s Aeronautical Science Pathway program (ASP) and has previously attended the Museum’s Private Pilot Ground School (PPGS). In the fall Johnson will attend the University of North Dakota and major in Aeronautical Sciences. His long-term career goal is to be a commercial airline pilot.
“My journey has its roots in resilience and determination. Growing up with parents who faced financial challenges, they went back to school, paving the way for a brighter future. Their story is my inspiration, teaching me the incredible power of education in unlocking opportunities.”
“ASP has already equipped me with a wealth of knowledge and a solid foundation in aeronautics, leading to my acceptance into my dream school, the University of North Dakota.”
2024 Stephen and Hazel Eastman Memorial Scholarship Recipient
$5,000 towards post-secondary education
Emilio Robledo is a senior at Todd Beamer High School in the Federal Way School District. He is also a Running Start student at Highline Community College. He has participated in the Museum’s Washington Aerospace Scholars program (WAS) and Aeronautical Explorations program (AE). After he graduates high school, Robledo plans to complete his associate degree in General Engineering at Highline Community College where he will then transfer to the University of Washington to pursue his degree in aerospace engineering. His long-term career goal is to become an aerospace engineer.
“I have participated in two of The Museum of Flight’s programs, while this may not sound significant, these two programs have impacted me in a way that I will remember and reap the skills and lessons these programs have taught me the rest of my academic career, professional career, and possibly even my entire life.”
2024 Stuart Knopp Memorial Scholarship Recipient
$5,000 towards post-secondary education
Ian Tarrago is a senior at Roosevelt High School in the Seattle School District. He is currently enrolled in the Museum’s Aeronautical Science Pathway program (ASP) and is a Teen Volunteer. He has also previously attended the Museum’s Aerospace Camp Experience (ACE). This fall Tarrago will attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and major in Aeronautical Science – Fixed Wing. His long-term career goal is to be a commercial airline pilot. He would also like to volunteer with Angel Flight West.
“ASP has allowed me to learn content related to flight and to do so in a setting surrounded by other aviation enthusiasts: my best friends as well as an instructor who is a former airline pilot with a Boeing background. Combining the fascinating classroom content with a room full of motivated peers and friends, every day I look forward to class. It’s one of the reasons I sprint home every day from my high school to get to ASP on time.”
2024 Jim and Sue Johnson Post-Secondary STEM Education Scholarship Recipient
$5,000 towards STEM-based post-secondary education
Brendan Lindsay is a senior at North Creek High School in the Northshore School District. He has been part of the Museum’s Teen Volunteer program and has served as an Aviation Pavilion Ambassador since 2022. Lindsay is still deciding what school attend in the fall, but he will major in Professional Flight and Aviation Business Management. His long-term career goal is to become a commercial airline pilot.
During the summer of 2023 he interned with The Boeing Company where he received the Instructor’s Choice Award for his leadership and effort throughout the program.
“My path to the sky has thus far been a bumpy one. However, as a first-generation U.S. citizen and as a first-generation prospective college student, the opportunity flying presents in my life is immense — both for myself and my family. Just as painting or building computers comes easily to some people, flying makes sense to me. It is something that I love doing. And when I am up in the air there is a sense of belonging; it feels like home.”
2024 Reba Gilman Endowed Scholarship Recipients
$5,000 towards STEM-based post-secondary education
Payton Mong is a senior at King’s High School and resides in the Seattle School District. She has previously participated in the Museum’s Washington Aerospace Scholars program (WAS). In the fall Mong will attend Purdue University and major in Aerospace Engineering. Her long-term career goal is to become an aerospace engineer, specializing in designing and producing aircraft.
“My interests in plane mechanics come from the first time I visited The Museum of Flight. I remember walking into the Museum with my sister and I just fell in love. My sister just wanted to go look at all the planes and use the flight simulators but all I wanted to do was read about all of the various planes’ details and get a closer look at them.”
“While I do not know where I want to work yet, my long-term goal is to contribute with new sustainable ideas that will benefit the flight field as well as the world as a whole.”
Stuart Swingruber is a senior at Ridgefield High School in the Ridgefield School District. He participated in the Museum’s Washington Aerospace Scholars program (WAS). In the fall Swingruber will attend Western Washington University where he will major in Polymer Materials Engineering. His long-term career goal is to work in the aerospace field as a chemical engineer.
“The most helpful, singular aspect of the WAS program was the fact that it introduced me to the aerospace field, showing me the vast important it holds and how my interests as a chemical engineer fit into the industry. Without these vital formative experiences, I might never have known the positive impact I could have in an aerospace career while following my interest for chemical engineering.”
Photos and detailed bios of each recipient are available upon request through The Museum of Flight. Data is also available detailing the applicants’ school districts, gender and eligibility for free/reduced lunch programs.
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