2009 Carl Guell Memorial Scholarship
Nathanael "Nate" Hinton

When describing Nate, Fox Valley Technical College instructor Dennis Moehn said, "A non-traditional student, Nate brings knowledge gained through life experiences and he uses this knowledge to help traditional students concentrate on what is important in their education."

Part of Nate's life experience includes his previous work in Kenya at a boarding school, where he had "plenty of exposure to "missionary aviation" before returning to the U.S. to complete his A&P training and become a pilot. He plans to eventually return to Africa with his family and a new set of skills in order to better help people over there.

On receiving word of winning the scholarship, Nate said, "It's a huge encouragement to me, and another affirmation that I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing. To be sure, any good that might come from my efforts in Africa or anywhere else is really an extension of what I have been blessed with. Thank you so much for being a part of that."

2009 Theissen Field Scholarship
Eric Beilman

Eric Beilman is an Airframe and Powerplant student at Blackhawk Technical College in Janesville, Wisconsin. Blackhawk instructor Mario Flores said, "Beilman demonstrates an exemplary level of integrity and motivation."

Eric has previously worked on A-10s and F-16s as a crew chief in the U.S. Air Force. He stated on his scholarship application that he volunteered for every deployment and job that would give him insight into a new aircraft system or sub-system. His goal, he said. "is to become one of the best on-call helicopter specialists in the area."

2009 Jerome Ripp Memorial Scholarship
Robert Klevgard

Robert soloed on his 16th birthday and earned his private pilot certificate in August 2008. He hopes to become a professional pilot, but understands today's aviation challenges and sees the value that obtaining an A&P mechanic certificate will mean to a prospective employer. Robert, a student at Blackhawk Technical College in Janesville, is active in the school's aviation club and has earned a 3.89 GPA.

Blackhawk instructor Patrick Ripp said that Robert is excited about aviation and is always willing to help others when he can, even outside class. "Robert will be an asset to the aviation community," he added. Richard Theis, another of Robert's instructors said the 19-year old student's desire to be in aviation shows in everything he does at the college.

"This is great," said Robert. "I'm also working toward my instrument rating and commercial certificate and this will definitely help. I'm very appreciative and feel honored to get this award."