scholarships

Bremen Hobbies recently held a silent auction promotional event giving shoppers the opportunity to purchase a Balsa USA 1/6th scale Sopwith Pup, built and ready for receiver and battery. The aircraft was built at Bremen Hobbies by Chuck Hamilton and Lee Watkins of Hangar 331. Balsa USA donated the kit, covering materials, and accessories, and Bremen Hobbies donated the electric motor, speed control and servos. The winner was announced in the store in Bremen, Indiana on April 29th. Brad Hjerpe was the top bidder and winner of the aircraft. All proceeds from the winning bid were donated to the AMA Foundation, a total of $779.00 to the Scholarship Fund.

This video originally appeared in the June 1, 2017 edition of AMA's webcast: AMA Air. Find more episodes at https://air.modelaircraft.org.

 

The AMA Foundation would like to thank Bremen Hobbies for this wonderful opportunity to give back to the AMA Scholarship Fund. For more details about the scholarship fund, view here. AMA Foundation staff members would also like to thank Joe Vermillion for his efforts to help us capture video and pictures from the live winning bid announcement.          

The South Coast RC Squadron were recently awarded with a $175 Club Recognition and Reward Grant. The club secretary and treasurer, Albert Schmidt, spoke on KCBY TV station about their Remote Control Model Expo on March 3, 4 and 5. Secretary and treasurer, Schmidt, explained the club had been putting on their show for years, but they thought it would be best this year if they could expand the show to encompass all different types of people. He encouraged people who were not yet involved with the hobby to come check out the show and ask questions to get more involved in model aviation. Albert Schmidt mentions the Academy of Model Aeronautic in his interview here. He explains that the AMA works to provide education support in STEM programs and works to provide scholarships for students who are involved in the hobby.    AMA  Foundation thanks Albert and the rest of the South Coast RC Squadron for involving all different public's into the hobby.     The AMA Club Recognition and Reward Program was established to encourage clubs to promote model aviation. The AMA offers clubs cash incentives for positive local media coverage for a public event, public service, club announcement, or other coverage. Click here to learn more about this program.

High school graduates Connor Barnes and Tyler McCormack might have different career goals in mind, but the one thing they have in common is that they’re passionate about aeromodeling. [caption id="attachment_3361" align="alignright" width="300"] Tyler McCormack (left) and Connor Barnes (right)[/caption] Connor of Mooresville, North Carolina, began flying RC Giant Scale aircraft when he was 11 years old, and Tyler, Sandown, New Hampshire, began when he was 10. Both attended the RC Scale Aerobatics Nats this year. Connor was judging and Tyler was competing in the event. They seemed to be having fun at the event, held at the International Aeromodeling Center, Muncie, Indiana. Connor and Tyler said that they plan to continue flying. Tyler plans to fly model aircraft at night, but Connor hopes to fly something much larger while studying commercial aviation and unmanned aircraft systems at University of North Dakota. Tyler’s scholarship of $9,500 is helping pay for his education at Northern Essex Community College, where he is studying computer sciences and information technology. After graduation, he hopes to get a job in that field. “It’s gonna help out a lot the first two years,” he said of the scholarship money. Some of Tyler’s aeromodeling friends told him about the AMA scholarship program and he decided to apply. “I was fairly surprised about the amount. I was shocked,” he commented. It was clear that Connor also felt fortunate to receive an AMA scholarship. “It means a lot being [selected]. I know I have the support of AMA and it shows that they really care about the future,” he said. “It’s very nice of [AMA]. An aviation career is really expensive. It’s not the tuition but it’s the flight costs. For a year it’s about $20,000 on top of the tuition.” Connor, who received a $2,000 scholarship,  had some advice for other prospective college students who are considering applying for an AMA scholarship. “It never hurts to apply for them. It’s always worth a shot because you never know how many will apply.” On the subject of applying, high school seniors can now apply for 2017 AMA scholarships. The link to the scholarship application is available at amaflightschool.org/ama-scholarships and applications are due by February 1, 2017.

If it weren’t for Bob Underwood’s hard work and dedication—and the help of other members of the AMA Scholarship Committee—AMA might not be celebrating awarding a total of $1 million in scholarships. Bob, a chairman and member of the AMA Scholarship Committee for approximately 35 years, was instrumental in the scholarship program’s success. He was thrilled when he found out that the program had reached this milestone. “I felt very happy about that. That was very nice,” Bob stated. “In those early years [of the program], we were giving away a total of $2,000, or $3,000, or $4,000 a year. “The fact that it did eventually reach that sum is great. I am so pleased to see us hit that $1 million number!” According to Bob, the late Cliff Telford established the AMA Scholarship Committee in approximately 1970, and Bob joined the committee in 1973. The committee members spent countless hours setting up criteria and guidelines by which the scholarship candidates could be evaluated. [caption id="attachment_3351" align="alignleft" width="300"] Bob Underwood (right) and Jeff Troy (left) at AMA's 75th anniversary celebration in 2011.[/caption] In the early days of the scholarship program, it was funded purely by donations and later by setting aside 15¢ of dues collected from each Open paid member. That figure was later increased to 30¢ per paid Open member, according to Bob. Today, the program is funded through donations, member dues, and endowments. Gordon Schimmel, who became the chairman of the AMA Scholarship Committee after Bob retired, had some nice things to say about him. “Bob was not the only person to recognize that the strength of model aviation was in the educational growth of future generations, but he was (and is) an outstanding example of AMA members who walk their talk through decades of service to the organization. His dedication and support of the scholarship program, as well as other committee work over the years, was fundamental in helping the Academy become what it is today—a highly respected leader in the field of aerospace education.” Gordon added that while serving on the committee, Bob was also “serving in numerous other capacities for the AMA, including stepping in as interim executive director at a critical time when the Academy was being relocated from Reston, Virginia, to Muncie, [Indiana].” Bob retired from the scholarship committee in roughly 2009. In addition to serving as interim executive director for AMA, Bob has held leadership roles in two clubs, created an annual model air show to raise money for the Missouri Park Board Scholarship Fund, served on the Radio Control Contest Board, was elected District VI vice president in 1983, and was inducted into the AMA Model Aviation Hall of Fame in 1997. He currently serves as an Associate Vice President for District VI, is a voting member of the AMA Model Aviation Hall of Fame Committee, and is a member of the FAI Executive Committee.

The AMA Scholarship Fund was created to award qualified AMA youth members with scholarships to pursue scientific/technical careers. Since its inception, AMA’s Scholarship program has bestowed over $1,000,000 in awards to college-bound aeromodelers. Donations to this fund will support our youth members who will be future leaders in aviation, technology, and science. [caption id="attachment_3101" align="alignright" width="300"] Bob Hanford[/caption] Robert “Bob” Hanford was one of the earliest recipients of an AMA scholarship. He was one of three modelers who received scholarship money in 1971. He was awarded $500, which he used to earn a bachelor of science in civil engineering from Oklahoma State University. “It paid most of my first year’s tuition—how times have changed!” Bob said of the scholarship. He applied for an AMA scholarship when he was a senior in high school. “It was a tremendous help. My parents divorced about that time, and weren’t able to help with college expenses.” Bob said after participating in the 2016 Free Flight Nats that he competed in his first Nats in 1964 when he was 11 years old. His father, a member of the 1949 US Wakefield Team, taught him how to build and fly at the age of eight. Bob’s aeromodeling experience has aided him in his career as a licensed professional engineer, and in his current position as a manager of civil/structural engineering. “The aeromodeling background definitely helped—knowing how to read and prepare drawings, spatial relations, strength of materials, and direct structural applications as I had experienced in modeling,” he commented. Over the years, hundreds of AMA youth members like Bob have benefited from the scholarship program. Donating to the AMA Scholarship Fund helps secure the future of aeromodeling's next generation.

Don Tichenor has been gone for some time, but his passion and love for the hobby continues to fuel AMA’s future. Don was an accomplished professor of aerospace and mechanical engineering at Tri-State College (now Trine University) in Angola, IN from 1959 to 1993. He met his wife, Dolores, at Tri-State when she was hired to fill his vacant mathematics positions as he moved to mechanical and aerospace engineering. They married two years later. Don was an enthusiastic modeler and control line flier throughout his whole life. He was a member of the AMA, the Experimental Aircraft Association, the DeKalb Fliers, and the Steuben Model Aircraft Klub. A few years ago, five of the model airplane kits he collected, but never built, as well as an originally designed and built twin-engine control line model were donated to the AMA Museum. The remaining 47 model airplane kits are being donated to the AMA Foundation with the proceeds to be used for scholarships. Sadly, Don passed away in January of 1993 at his home in Angola. His wife, Dolores, is bringing the remaining kits to the AMA this month.

Arizona Daily Star

By Kimberly Matas

Radio-controlled jets will be zipping through the Marana sky this week at speeds approaching 200 mph during the three-day Tucson Jet Rally.

The rally is a benefit for the Ryan Sherrow Scholarship Fund, awarded by the Academy of Model Aeronautics. Ryan, a skilled radio-controlled-jet pilot from Tucson, died in 2008 after a brief illness. He was 14.

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Scholarship applications are due to the AMA education department by February 1, 2014. Applying for scholarships is a big job, but it’s certainly worth your time in the long run. If you are actively involved in model aviation, you should plan to apply for an AMA scholarship to help pay for college.  We’re looking for students who participate in our great hobby of aeromodeling… but that’s not the only thing. Candidates who win AMA scholarships usually share the following traits: a. They work hard in school and achieve good grades. b. They show leadership in school, work, or other community involvement. c. They are active participants in model aviation as pilots, builders, competitors, and club members. Here are some tips for making sure you know exactly what the AMA Scholarship Committee looks for in a winning candidate. 1. Plan early. If you’re not already an AMA member, become one as soon as you can, before the middle of your Freshman year. (The requirement is 36 months of continuous AMA membership prior to application.) AMA youth memberships are free, and they are automatically renewed until you turn 19. Make sure you take the required placement tests early enough to get your scores before February of your senior year. The committee uses your SAT, PSAT and/or ACT scores, along with GPA, to rank your academic achievements against the other applicants. If you do not have a test score, you can still apply, but your total academic score will suffer. 2. Keep track of your achievements and activities throughout high school. It’s tough to sit down in your senior year and try to remember all the things you’ve done through the years that scholarship committees appreciate. So, start now! Write down all the things you do that will show us that you are dedicated to your community and developing your leadership skills. We like reading about young people who participate in charitable events, Boy & Girl Scouts, church fund raisers, and other events that are important to the community. Did you serve as captain of your sports team or head of the student council? Write it down! It shows that you are motivated to succeed and help others along the way. 3. Tell us the details of your modeling experience! If you participate in club events as a competitor, volunteer, judge, promoter… we want to read about it. Have you served as a club officer or helped write the newsletter? Have you built your own models from kits, plans, or even your own design? That will make you stand out from applicants who fly the typical store-bought models. If you take the initiative to build and repair your own models, it shows that you are not content to be the average modeler- you appreciate learning new skills and probably hold yourself to a certain level of craftsmanship. The same applies for competitions. Keep track of the modeling events you participate in and the awards you win. Most importantly– Don’t pass up an opportunity to help others with modeling. Students who help others succeed in modeling are ranked higher than those who simply participate– so if you are a flight instructor, a Science Olympiad coach, or even if you help elementary school kids build Delta Darts, let us know. You are just the type of leader we’re looking for. And don’t forget– If you’re an active competitor in AMA or FAI sanctioned contests, you are also eligible for the Telford Scholarship, which is presented to the competitor with the best record. 4. How has model aviation affected YOU? My experience in modeling as a kid helped to shape my entire career as a full-scale pilot and writer. Model building even inspired me to build my own full-scale airplane– it’s really just like a balsa plane, only it’s made of aluminum. Obviously, not every kid will be as obsessed with aviation as I am… but if you’ve been influenced by what you’ve learned or who you’ve met as a modeler, we want to hear about it. Are you going to engineering school because you love designing and building model airplanes or rockets? Did someone you met in the club help you to see your true potential as a teacher, writer, mechanic or craftsman? Write it down! (And send them a thank you note!) Did modeling help you to discover something about yourself– a talent you didn’t know you had? That’s just one of the things we love about our hobby–it tends to bring out the best in us. Share it with us. The applicants who have the deepest appreciation for where modeling has taken them are more likely to keep modeling and pass it on to the next generation, and we appreciate that. 5. One last thing– PLEASE TYPE your application! Hand-scribbled notes do not give the sense of pride and precision that a good modeler and a good student should have. We look forward to hearing from you in your senior year… til then, keep track of your good work and keep your eyes in the sky! Katie Bosman is a lifelong modeler, commercial pilot, and former Charles H. Grant Scholarship winner. She enjoys building & flying R/C sailplanes and working on her Van’s RV-3 kitplane.

We are pleased to report the 2013 recipients of the Charles Hampson Grant, Cliff Telford, Toledo Weak Signals and Dorothy and Basil Cooper awards.  The number of applicants this year (23) increased as compared with previous years, and the competition for the top awards was, as usual, rigorous. 

The 2013 AMA Scholarship winners and their awards are as follows:

Alexander Evangelatos- – $5,000 Charles Hampton + $1,000 from the Weak Signals club = $6,000

• City/State: Westbury, New York
• Brown University: Mechanical Engineering
• Modeling Experience: Began flying, modifying building with his father at age 10. Scratch-builder, aerobatic pilot, competing in fun-fly event and flight instructor for local Boy Scouts at his club.  Built an Extra 300 from scratch and states that his experience with radio control airplanes over the years, led to his choice of engineering as a field of study and future profession.
• School Activities and Community Service: Class Salutatorian, Member and leadership roles in the National Honor Society as well as the English, Math, Science, Music, and Italian National Honor Societies.  President of school’s First Robotics club.  Organized tutorial services for local elementary school students.
• Work History: Private academic tutor, data entry technician and website designer for private companies since 10th grade.

Ricardo Mirandes- 4,500 Charles Hampton Grant $500 from the Weak Signals club = $5,000

• City/State: San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Notre Dame – Aerospace Engineering
• Modeling Experience: Soloed an Ugly Stick at age six.  With his father’s assistance, built a Top Flite 172 that he flew for many years in local pattern and fun-fly events, eventually leading to 6th place at age 14, at the Top Gun in the Pro Am Sport category.  Currently flying jets in airshows: States that flying jets…has sharpened my skills as an RC pilot and a future engineer.

• School and Community experience: Member, National Honor Society, high honors in all courses; 1st place in regional science fair; Syracuse University 6-week summer engineering program; Puerto Rico high school football league, captain 2010 to present; participant in two church-sponsored mission trips to the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua.
• Work experience: baby-sitting and local carwash activities

Magdalina Moses – $4,500 Charles Hampton Grant + $500 from the Weak Signals club = $5,000

• City/State: Falls Church, Virginia
• Virginia Polytechnic – Aeronautical Engineering
• Modeling Experience: Qualified for the Junior Team for the FAI World Space Modeling Championships, every year from 2008 to present; qualified for the Junior Team in 2008 in gyrocopter models; is in the process of designing gyrocopter blades, based on blades used in more advanced indoor FF model propellers; enjoys indoor FF models as member NFFS; scratch-built a matched set of a radio-controlled C-47 and an FF CG-4a Waco glider to commemorate her grandfather’s service in “Operation Market Garden” in WWII.
• School and Community Activities:  National Honor Society, Math Honor Society; Program Manager for Team America Rocketry Challenge; Project Manager for NASA’s Student Launch Initiative for two years; volunteer assistant at local elementary school

Dianne Collard – $4,500 Charles Hampton Grant

• City/State: Olathe, Kansas
• Kansas State University – Electrical and Mechanical Engineering
• Modeling Experience: “Father, mother, brother and I, have soloed and upgraded from trainer planes.”  Youngest officer (Secretary) in two clubs; pilot, builder (and repairer) of many models (electric and gas); participant in fun-fly competitions (touch and go’s, spot landings, mock dogfights).
• School and Community Activities: National Honor Society, National Physics Olympiad; leader member in First Robotics, local service club, Technology Students Association, soccer team (highest and most consistent scorer); ham radio operator; speaks three foreign languages (Korean, Japanese, Spanish)
• Work Experience: summer intern in mechanical drafting

Luke Grandland – $3,000 Charles Hampton Grant

• City/State: Oak Park, Minnesota
• Concordia College – Physics
• Modeling Experience: began flying at four as 3rd generation pilot, member if two AMA clubs, 3 D pilot of an E3D by Gary Wright.
• School and Community Activities; National Honor society, president; lettered in track and Math League; Central Minnesota Big Brother of the Year; Boy’s State delegate
• Work experience: website designer and maintenance for local web applications business

Aaron Greifzu – $3,000 Charles Hampton Grant

• City/State: Auborn, Illinois
• Bradley University – Civil Engineering
• Modeling experience: 13 year member of the AMA, began building at age 11, rubber-powered Stinson Voyager; E-Fest participant (Blade mCX, Parkzone Vapor); flies MS Boom with video camera; instructor for AMA grant to local club for radio-control flying at local community college.
• School and Community Activities: National Honor Society, treasurer; football, letter; won regional and competed in state championship World Youth Science and Engineering Challenge; Boy Scouts, Sea Scouts, 4-H club member; volunteer for numerous church and community service activities
• Work Experience: employee and local sports shooting club as well as paid farm hand

Ryan Seymour – $3,000 Charles Hampton Grant + the Telford Award $5,000 = $8,000

• City/State: Radnor, Ohio
• Mount Vernon Nazarene University – Accounting
• Modeling experience: began flying at age 6, scratch and kit builder of balsa hand-launched gliders; junior winner at regional and Nats contests in catapult-launched gliders and rubber-powered P-30s; designed and built ½ A control-line model; as Telford applicant and award winner, has competed in seven Nats and World Championships, achieving Senior Hi-Point Champ.
• Work experience: three years of owning and managing commercial and residential lawn-mowing business

John Flatt – $3,000 Charles Hampton Grant

• City/State: Portland, Tennessee
• Perdue University – Aeronautical Engineering
• Modeling experience:  Began flying at age 9 and became a modifier/builder of his first airplane that led construction and customizing numerous types and styles of electric-powered models, from kits to models he created and designed himself.  Attributes his chosen area of study to his experience in model-building and design.
• School and Community Activities: National Honor Society; member Math Team, Science Club, Aviation Club president; senior awards in science, drafting and chemistry.  Volunteer in a number of local service organizations.
• Work experience: Paid “helper” at local tool and die shop; cashier at local antique store; “server assistant” at local restaurant.

Paul Gentile – $2,500 Charles Hampton Grant

• City/State: Jamesburg, New Jersey
• University of Utah – Computer science and engineering
• Modeling experience:  began flying nitro at age 10 but has concentrated mostly on electrics over the years.  Has flown in war-bird events with his father, and has earned Model Aviation Merit Badge in Boy Scouts. Has served as instructor pilot and builder in numerous scouting events.  Is a member of Fair Use Building and Research (FUBAR) where he met and has assisted Rutgers University engineering students in quadcopter design and construction.
• School and community activities: recipient, First Robotics, Presidential Achievement Award where he has served as lead programmer; Eagle Scout with numerous leadership roles; participant in High Adventure Sailing and Sea Base Out Island Adventure programs; more than 1000 hours of community service, including local hurricane “Sandy” relief efforts
• Work experience: graphic design intern for Monroe Township Public schools; paid instructor at local scout reservation; aquatics instructor and lifeguard.

Kelley Saylor – $2,500 Charles Hampton Grant

• City/State: Huber Heights, Ohio
• Wright State University – Engineering and Computer Science
• Modeling experience: Began flying 5 years ago and quickly became interested in 3D helicopter events at the 2009 XFC in Muncie; taught himself to fly heli’s on a simulator and now builds and flies all of his own – listing more than 35 different models!  Currently a “field rep” for Compass models.
• School and Community Activities: ranked in top 7% of class of more than 400 students; community service in local Hospice RC flying event raised more than $2,500 for the event; will enlist in the U.S. Air Force upon graduation to help defer college costs – interested in unmanned air vehicle testing and design.
• Work experience; three years in local hobby shop in sales and repair

Jonathan Elie -$500 Dorothy and Basil Cooper Memorial Scholarship.

• City/State: Hopewell Junction, New York
• Currently Enrolled in Dutchess Community College – Aviation Science, Fire Science Program; plans to transfer to a 4-yeary SUNY school to major in Mechanical Engineering Technology and Aviation Science; plans to acquire an A & P mechanic’s certificate.
• Modeling experience: As an RC and full-scale pilot, he is active in 3 AMA clubs, a member of EAA, SSA, AOPA and a local full-scale aviation club. He began RC flying at age 13, is a scratch builder and repairer of RC and free-flight models.  He is a full-scale glider and powered aircraft pilot, currently working on instrument and commercial ratings in powered aircraft, and instructor ratings for powered and glider aircraft.
• School and Community Activities: As a home-schooled student, he notes that, “it’s difficult to say what qualifies as an extracurricular activity….” He enjoys a variety of recreational sports – skiing, snowboarding, photography and video production.  He has served as a coach and judge for Science Olympiad competitions.
• Work experience: Two years as a “line boy” and, most recently, a “mechanic’s assistant,” at a local airport.

The AMA would like to say congratulations to all of our winners. The deadline for the 2014 AMA Scholarships is February 1st. The 2014 application will be available in a few weeks.