AMA News 2008 Scholarship Recipients - 2009/02

February 2009 165
AMA News Announcements, news, and information from the
Academy of Model Aeronautics and the elected district representatives.
Gavin Smith
Gavin Smith, of Bavaria, Kansas, is the
recipient of an $8,000 Charles Hampson
Grant Scholarship and a $1,000 Weak
Signals award. Gavin will be attending
Wichita State University.
At a young age, Gavin’s fascination with
aviation was cultivated by his father. He
started flying simple aircraft such as paper
airplanes, rockets, rubber band stick-andtissue
aircraft, and hand-launched gliders.
His father has a longtime interest in
airplanes and after being away from RC for
nearly 20 years, he began to teach Gavin on
small electric trainers. The two advanced to
build a Piper J-3
Cub from a kit.
Gavin’s
interest in
electrics evolved
to his current
participation in
slope soaring. He
became a charter
member of
Wings Over
Wilson in 2004,
and recently
designed and
built a slope
glider as a prototype for a multimotorpowered
design.
Gavin has competed in the Super 77
Combat event and the Midwest Slope
Challenge where he placed second in
Combat class.
“Although I enjoy the competitive side of
flying RC,” Gavin wrote, “by far the part I
enjoy most is simply flying for fun with my
father.”
Gavin graduated from Salina High
School Central first in his class with a
weighted GPA of 4.24. He was recognized
as a Kansas Governor’s Scholar.
In high school, Gavin was involved in
Science Olympiad, the Forty Hayes State
Math Relays, the Trig-Star competition, the
American Mathematics Competition, and
the ECO-meet competition. While
competing in the Science Olympiad, he
medaled numerous times at the regional and
state levels in the Wright Stuff event and
Remote Sensing.
Gavin was actively involved in varsity
boys’ swimming and student council, as well
as marching, concert, and jazz bands. As a
member of the boys’ swim team, Gavin was
a league champion numerous times and
competed at the state meet each of his four
years.
Since middle school, Gavin has
volunteered during the summer reading
program for the Salina Public Library and
been an active member of the Young Adult
Advisory Board at the library. He has also
volunteered at the Smokey Hill River
Festival, put in countless hours for the Salina
Aquatics Club as a timer, and is a big brother
through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina.
During the past two summers, Gavin
worked for Jack Cooper of Leading Edge
Gliders building kits of slope soaring
airplanes. He has also attended EAA
AirVenture at Oshkosh for three years as an
employee of CAV Aerospace, informing
people of the TKS deicing system.
Gavin will be pursuing a degree in
aerospace engineering at Wichita State
University. He plans to someday own a
small aircraft design and manufacturing
company.
Best of luck, Gavin, and congratulations!
James Rosenthal
James Rosenthal, of Tucson, Arizona, is
the recipient of an $8,000 Charles Hampson
Grant Scholarship and a $1,000 Weak
Signals award, which he will apply toward
an aerospace
engineering and
French degree
from the
University of
Minnesota.
James’s
modeling career
began at roughly
5 years old. He
started with
gliders and
eventually
progressed
through
everything from 3-D foamies to electric
ducted-fan aircraft and helicopters.
Working with his father, James built
several projects. On his own, he has
accomplished everything from building and
shaping foam, to fiberglassing and painting
detail. James is also a competitor and has
participated in the Mid-Winter Electrics in
San Diego, the SAGE Spring Discus Launch
Competition in Marana, Arizona, and the
Eloy Hand-Launch Competition in Eloy,
Arizona.
James graduated from Catalina Foothills
High School and is a National Honor
Society Member and National Merit
Scholarship Commemorated Student.
During high school, James was a varsity
wrestler and served as captain his senior
year. He placed in several tournaments
including regionals. He also ran three years
of cross-county and track.
SINCE 1970, the Academy of Model
Aeronautics has provided scholarships to
young men and women seeking to continue
their education in colleges and universities.
The primary awards are presented through
the Charles Hampson Grant scholarships.
In 2007, five individuals received a
portion of the $36,100 Charles Hampson
Grant awards. These monies came from a
variety of sources including gifts,
memorials, and the AMA general fund.
The top two winners of this year’s Grant
awards also shared a scholarship provided
by the Toledo Weak Signals from monies
generated from the club’s annual trade
show and exposition. This year the Weak
Signals contributed $2,000.
An additional scholarship program
awarded funds this year. The Sig award, a
memorial in honor of the late Glenn
Sigafoose, is presented by Hazel Sig-Hester
and Sig Manufacturing Company. Given to
one or more individuals, the award is based
upon financial need and aeromodeling
activity. This year’s scholarships totaled
$3,300.
In its second year, the Telford
Scholarship, honoring the late Cliff Telford,
is based on participation in competition
activity in the AMA and FAI classifications
including national and world-class
competition. This year’s award was $5,000.
This year, 14 applicants met the
established criteria and were considered by
the committee. Evaluated by a four-member
committee, the applicants are rated in
several major areas including grade
average, test results, school and community
activities, and modeling activities. High
achievement in all of the categories is
important for the maximum amount of
scholarship awarded to an individual.
Again this year, the committee members
were extremely close to one another in their
evaluations of the applications. Eight
students were granted awards this year and
$46,000 was awarded in all.
The students’ planned majors include
mechanical engineering, aircraft design,
computer science, aeronautical engineering,
aerospace engineering, and digital
animation.
Information regarding applications may
be obtained from Jack Frost at AMA
Headquarters or from the AMA Education
Web site at www.modelaircraft.org/
education.aspx.
2008 Scholarship Recipients
02amanews.qxp 12/22/2008 1:37 PM Page 165
166 MODEL AVIATION
James had an opportunity to study abroad
through AYUSA Global Youth Exchange in
Givet, France. He spent seven months living
with a host family and attending a French
high school. There he played football and
basketball. James used this experience to
return to the United States and serve as a
French tutor for students at his high school.
Volunteer service has been a large part of
James’ life. He spent two years with Race
for the Cure where he delivered packets and
aided with race-day registration. James also
spent a year working at the Casa Maria Soup
Kitchen.
James held several jobs through his
school career. For four years, James spent
summers working at his father’s dental
office assisting with patients, cleaning
instruments, and filing paperwork. James
spent winter weekends as a ski and
snowboard instructor at the Sunrise Park
Resort on the Apache Indian Reservation in
the White Mountains.
From 2006-2007, James worked for the
University of Arizona Aeronautics
Department as a test pilot. He had the
opportunity to fly experimental RC airplanes
with technology inside (auto-pilot testing,
GPS, cameras, etc.) for the University of
Arizona Aviation Club under the
Department of Aerospace Engineering.
“James seems to enjoy life to the fullest,”
David Mason, history teacher, wrote. “He
has never let his class work suffer as he
continues to maintain excellence in all his
endeavors. James is an individual that
sparkles with enthusiasm and is certainly
going to achieve success in life.”
James began his education at the
University of Minnesota in August 2008.
Congratulations, James, and good luck in
your aerospace engineering career.
Andrew Angellotti
Andrew Angellotti of Lapeer, Michigan,
is the recipient of a $6,500 Charles
Hampson Grant award and a $1,100 Sig
Memorial Scholarship.
A modeler since the age of 10, Andrew
has been a member of the Lapeer Wing Nuts
RC Club. He first learned to fly on a 15-
year-old Avistar. Soon Andrew was building
his own models, including everything from
8-meter gliders to 8-inch-wingspan
microflyers.
Andrew was homeschooled for his
academic career and carried a 3.83 GPA.
Outside of school, Andrew was involved in
many extracurricular activities.
Starting in 2006, Andrew funded and
converted his 1988 Mazda to run all electric.
He now uses this truck to promote
development of alternative energy
technology. He has made frequent
appearances in various venues with his
truck. Andrew spent a day with Discovery
Channel Canada as they filmed a segment
about his project for the show Daily Planet.
Andrew spent a few years working as a
part-time lifeguard at the Lapeer
Community Center. He takes on-going
training and received certification to guard a
year-round indoor/outdoor community pool
complex. Andrew is versed in all aspects of
CPR, first aid,
and AED.
Andrew spent
much time
volunteering in
his community.
He has had
numerous
opportunities to
teach and inspire
others to
consider
alternative
energy. He
worked with
Operation Care, part of a local ham radio
club activity, which serves coffee and
snacks and visits with weary travelers during
holiday weekends. Andrew has helped with
care packages for soldiers, gave RC
presentations to Boy Scouts, worked on
political campaigns, was a member of 4-H,
and active in numerous community projects.
In 2005, Andrew received the Lapeer
County Power of Youth Award for
community service.
In 2007, Andrew worked for Molex
where he was a full-time lab technician,
testing automatic connectors in a state-ofthe-
art lab environment. From May-August
2008, Andrew accepted a full-time position
as an engineering intern with Molex-Global
Transportation Division in Auburn Hills,
Michigan.
As a member of the Lapeer Wing Nuts,
Andrew was given the opportunity to use his
writing skills. He began writing for his
club’s newsletter and eventually had his own
column. In 2004, the newsletter editor
stepped down and Andrew took over its
production and was also named club
secretary.
He wrote a research paper that won
honorable mention in the NASA
Aeronautics Student Competition. The
original concept described in Andrew’s
paper was inspired by a display he saw in
AMA’s National Model Aviation Museum
in Muncie, Indiana.
Andrew began his college career in
August 2008. He is attending Purdue
University with a focus in aerospace and
aeronautical engineering.
“It is my hope to acquire the tools and
the knowledge I need in order to be at the
very leading edge of our technological
capabilities,” Andrew wrote. “I want to use
technology to improve how we live and to
safeguard our world.”
Congratulations, Andrew.
John Cook
John Cook, of Roanoke, Virginia, is the
recipient of a $6,500 Charles Hampson
Grant Scholarship.
John accelerated his high school career
and graduated from Hidden Valley High
School within three years maintaining a
4.0385 grade point average.
In 2005 and 2006, John ran cross-country
for his high school. He was a member of
Science Club and Future Business Leaders
of America. John acquired his FCC Amateur
Radio License and used it to help organize
the Hidden Valley High School Ham Radio
Club.
At only 15, John started his own
business: Trek 3D, LLC. His first products
were video tutorials sold on the Internet for
novice and more advanced game
programmers. Through his on-line company,
John has developed Web sites for other
businesses and also sells Web site hosting.
John taught himself the majority of the
computer programs at which he excels. He
has used this knowledge to carry a business
and is even making computer programs of
his own. He currently has a provisional
patent for a drag-and-drop Web site creator.
John is active in his community and has
volunteered his services numerous times.
For more than a year, he has worked for
Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare where he
designed the organization’s Web site. He
has also created a Web site for the Roanoke
Valley Junior Achievement program.
Since 2006, part of the proceeds from
John’s business has been donated to the
Oxfam America
Unwrapped,
which is
dedicated to
creating
solutions to
global poverty,
hunger, and
social injustice.
John’s company
also makes
microfinance
loans to
entrepreneurs in
the developing
world through www.kiva.com.
John has been a part of Clean Valley
Council where he cleaned along local
waterways, Beta Club at his school where he
helped clean up after homecoming events,
and volunteered to come in and help around
the school on teacher work days.
Most of John’s modeling experience has
been field flying his two-meter Gentle Lady
Sailplane at his local park and building
models for the science fair. Last year, John
built his physics teacher an orinthopter to be
used in classes.
John has put on several public
demonstrations about AMA and modeling.
In 2005, he presented a demonstration about
building a stick-and-tissue model airplane
during a monthly Roanoke County
Computer Club meeting. He also made
presentations for the Roanoake County
Library and Roanoke County Public
Schools.
“Bottom line—John is an incredible role
model,” Skip Larrington, chemistry and
computer science teacher wrote. “John has
accomplished more in 18 years than many
accomplish in a lifetime. I am honestly
excited to see what John accomplishes by
the time he is 25.”
02amanews.qxp 12/22/2008 1:37 PM Page 166
February 2009 167
John is attending the University of
Virginia studying computer science.
Congratulations on your award, John, and
best of luck in your future career.
Elijah Brown
Elijah Brown, of Kingman, Arizona, is
the recipient of a $6,000 Charles Hampson
Grant Scholarship. He plans to attend school
at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
and study
computer and
aeronautical
engineering.
Elijah has
been a member
of AMA since
2000. He began
flying gliders at
9 years old when
his grandfather
gave him a balsa
model airplane
kit for
Christmas.
Elijah quickly fell in love with modeling and
has made everything from glow to electric
flight. His most recent project is a Twin
Comanche from a Jack Stafford kit. Elijah
has competed in local events including
Pylon Racing, wingless racing, night flying,
and float flying.
While completing high school at Desert
Oasis Christian School, Elijah had dual
enrollment at the Mohave Community
College. He graduated from high school
earning an Associate of Arts degree with a
math emphasis.
A self-motivator, Elijah created his own
business helping out around his
neighborhood. He became the neighborhood
handyman by helping neighbors with their
hardware- and software-related computer
problems. He also provided lawn services
and even repaired lawn equipment.
Elijah has spent time working as an
engineering apprentice for Mieding and
Associates. He designed heating, ventilation,
plumbing, and fire suppression systems
using AutoCAD software. He learned the
CAD program with John Mieding’s
assistance and designed and drew the
plumbing and air-conditioning ductwork for
more than 15 commercial buildings.
As member of the Kingman Modelers
RC Club, Elijah had the opportunity to bring
his love of computer programming and
model airplanes together. Elijah created and
hosts the club’s Web site. He even created a
program on the site that allows members to
sign up on-line.
Elijah earned the Outstanding
Achievement Award from the Kingman
Modelers. He spent numerous hours with
field improvements and helping at club
events. Elijah and his sister raised the
necessary funds to purchase all the fencing
materials needed to surround the club’s
1,000-foot runway.
Community service is a big part of
Elijah’s life. He has volunteered at a
homeless shelter, worked with the City of
Kingman’s clean up, assisted with
maintenance work at the community college,
and assisted with cleaning up a yard for a
needy family. Elijah also implemented a
program to collect $1,000 from local
businesses to improve the community’s RC
flying site.
Elijah has received many awards for his
accomplishments. He made the Mohave
Community College Honors List and
National Dean’s List. He has earned the
Most Outstanding Mathematics Student
Award, placed third in the Mohave
Community College Mathlympics, and won
first place two years at the Hualapai Hills
Home Schoolers’ Science Fair.
“Based upon his demonstrated abilities,
Elijah’s potential for future success is
excellent,” Clark Brown, principal, wrote. “I
have complete confidence that an
investment in his future will pay rich
dividends for the model aviation industry.”
Job well done, Elijah, and good luck in
your future.
Nick Maxwell
Nick Maxwell is the recipient of a $5,000
Telford Scholarship. A native of Fort
Wayne, Indiana, Nick has been a modeler
since the age of 4.
His first
experience with
model aviation
was shared with
his father. Nick’s
first building
attempts were
mounting motors
in foam airplanes
and tossing them
into the air.
As his
knowledge and
experience grew,
Nick started
building and flying fun-fly models and
continued on to Pylon Racing. He
discovered helicopters at age 10 and now
builds and flies both.
Nick attended high school at Bishop
Dwenger where he played varsity tennis. He
made the All City team his freshman year.
He participated in USTA tennis tournaments
from age 10-16.
Nick worked for Phil’s Hobby Shop
from 2005-2007. He helped with inventory
and ran the cash register. Nick also had the
opportunity to use his aeromodeling skills
by working on airplane and helicopter
repairs at the shop.
From seventh grade through his senior
year, Nick put in countless hours of
community service. He volunteered his time
raking leaves, mowing, cleaning gutters,
washing windows, running errands, and
transporting elderly to the store. He also
worked at St. Patrick’s Closet, an
organization that provides free clothing and
small household items for low-income
people.
In addition to his community service,
Nick has conducted many model airplane
and helicopter demonstrations for Young
Eagles, Boy Scouts, and various other
schools and groups throughout the Fort
Wayne area.
Nick has been a member of AMA since
1994. During this time, he has competed in
numerous events including the National
Aeromodeling Championships in helicopters
and Pylon Racing, XFC, E-Fest, and the
Micro Heli Cup.
His model aviation talents did not go
unnoticed, and Nick is now sponsored by
Miniature Aircraft USA, Futaba, Flight
Power Batteries, V-Blades, and Dietriech
Aircraft. In 2008, the Academy of Model
Aeronautics launched its AMA All Stars
Team and asked Nick to join as one of the
first members.
Nick’s American Sign Language
Teacher, Dawn Lacy, wrote this about him:
“Nick has serious long-term goals and has
already worked several years to accomplish
those goals. Even while in middle school
and high school, he has achieved major
awards competing among much older adults.
He is a motivated role model whom many
others can look up too.”
Nick will be attending Indiana-Purdue
University of Fort Wayne majoring in
mechanical engineering. He wants to pursue
a career in model aviation.
Congratulations, Nick.
Sean VanHatten
Sean VanHatten, of Redmond, Oregon, is
the recipient of a $1,100 Sig Memorial
Scholarship. Sean will be using his award to
attend Central Oregon Community College.
Sean’s infatuation with aviation began
when he was 9 years old and had his first
flight in a Cherokee 140. From that moment
on, Sean was hooked on full-scale flight.
Because pilot lessons are costly and Sean
was only 9, his
parents thought it
would be best for
him to start with
learning to fly RC
airplanes.
After much
practice, Sean
made his way
through trainers,
Scale models,
Combat, funflys,
and finally
Scale Aerobatics.
He has spent the last five years practicing
IMAC and 3-D freestyle routines.
Another passion of Sean’s is music. He
started out learning tenor saxophone then
moved on to the bassoon in eighth grade.
Sean played in the All-State Honor Band,
the All-State Honor Orchestra, the State
Solo Competition, and an honor band that
encompasses the entire Northwest. Sean has
also performed in three bands at his high
school, a band at the community college,
and various musical groups in the area.
Sean excelled at Redmond High School
and maintained a 3.9 GPA. He took honors
and advanced-placement classes. Sean also
02amanews.qxp 12/22/2008 1:38 PM Page 167
took classes at the local community college
and graduated from high school with an
honors diploma and 49 college credits.
Roughly two years ago, Sean began
flight training to acquire his private pilot’s
license. He soloed after 12 hours’ flight
time. On June 13, 2007, Sean took his
private pilot check ride and received his
license. At the time of his application
submission, Sean had 73 hours of flight
time logged. He plans to continue aerobatic
training now that he’s a private pilot.
“I have a great passion for aerobatics,”
Sean wrote. “A dream of mine is to fly
aerobatics in airshows.”
Sean is a firm believer in supporting
yourself financially. From 2000-2004, he
ran his own lawn care business. After
acquiring his driver’s license, he took a job
at a grocery store and later a music store. In
October 2007, Sean took a job with Lancair
Performance Aircraft in its build shop.
Sean is currently working line service at
the airport.
While school, music, and flight training
kept Sean busy, he still tried to make time
to benefit his community. He has
volunteered with Habitat for Humanity
since the age of 7. Sean also donates his
music talents to his church.
Sean’s dream is to become a full-time
pilot. He plans to be a certified flight
instructor and commercial-rated by next
year, receiving these credentials from
Central Oregon Community College. Sean
hopes to fly corporate or charter for a
career and would like to acquire his
airframe and power plant technician rating.
Congratulations on your award, Sean,
and best of luck in your future!
Steven Sebastianelli
Steven Sebastianelli from Middletown,
Pennsylvania, is the recipient of a $1,100
Sig Memorial
Scholarship.
Son of Linda
and Steve
Sebastianelli,
Steven will be
studying digital
animation at
Philadelphia
University.
Steven
attended high
school at Lower
Dauphin High
School
finishing with a 92.46 GPA out of a
possible 112. He is a member of the
National Honor Society and made
Distinguished Honor Roll. He was active in
music and took part in two musicals as well
as a few variety skits.
Steven’s high school guidance
counselor wrote, “[Steven] has worked
very hard to overcome a lot of challenges.
Steven was born with Spinal Muscular
Atrophy, which has confined him to an
electric wheelchair. Many students would
pity themselves and make excuses, but
Steven has never backed down from this
challenge. He continues to amaze me as he
sets an example for everyone to follow.”
Steven has a great interest in power
sports, which are sporting events that take
place in power wheelchairs. Steven has
played both soccer and Ping-Pong.
Steven has dedicated a lot of his time to
community service. He helped out with
numerous projects and events for the
Muscular Dystrophy Association,
Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network,
Kids are Kids, and many others.
Steven has been an AMA member since
2003. At age 13, Steven heard the sound of
RC airplanes flying near his house. It was
the local club and eventually, Steven dared
to go over and ask if he could fly.
He became a member of the Keystone
Remote Control Society (KRCS) and began
lessons on the club’s high-wing trainer with
a buddy box. Steven received his solo
license on his first try. He kept practicing
and soon after was expert-pilot approved.
Taking his skills into practice, Steven
began working with his club in many
activities in the community including
teaching flight simulator use at the public
library and assisting the National Guard
with a training project.
“If you ever tell him he can’t do
something, his reply will be ‘do you want
to bet?’” wrote Dan McNeil, lead flight
instructor for KRCS.
Steven will be attending Philadelphia
University to pursue a digital animation
career and has hopes of someday being a
professional actor.
Good luck, Steven, and congratulations.