AMA News
Academy of Model Aeronautics 5151 E. Memorial Dr., Muncie IN 47302
1999 AMA/Charles Hampson Grant Scholarship Winners
BEGINNING IN 1970, the Academy 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 1999, a total of $20,000 was awarded to five individuals, selected from 59 applicants. The award decisions are based on five criteria evaluated by a committee of five members.
The winner of the Grant scholarship also receives an award provided by the Toledo Weak Signals from monies generated by their annual trade show exposition.
The Sig Award is presented to one or more individuals based on financial need and modeling activity. These funds are presented as a memorial to Glen Sigafose by Hazel Sig-Hester and Sig Manufacturing Company.
The Tom Hutchinson Award is made to the outstanding applicant involved in Free Flight activity.
In future issues of Model Aviation, the committee will highlight the accomplishments of past recipients over the last 30 years. Information and applications may be obtained by contacting AMA Headquarters, (765) 287-1256, extension 201.
Mark Rudner
Mark Rudner, of Santa Ana, California, received a Grant scholarship in the amount of $8,000 and also the Toledo Weak Signals award of $3,000. Mark graduated last June from Troy High School with a cumulative grade point average of 4.78 out of a possible 4.78 and is currently attending Caltech pursuing studies in chemistry and physics.
Throughout his high school career, Mark received many awards on the local, state, and national levels. These included National Honor Society, California Scholastic Federation, International Baccalaureate program, Science Olympiad, Yale Alumni Club Shakespeare award, and many calculus, chemistry, physics, Japanese, and English awards.
Mark was honored with an internship to work with Dr. Murlanta Khakalo at the physics laboratory doing electron scattering research. His tasks involved analyzing data, spectroscopy, and experimental apparatus. His work led to the presentation of a lecture entitled "Gas Beam Profiles From Effusive Tube Sources" at the Southern California Conference on Undergraduate Research.
Mark's interests included a variety of Science Olympiad competitive activities. This year, as a part of a team, he was involved in creating a thermoelectricity-cooled refrigerator, which ran on power generated by photovoltaic cells. This device was created for the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialty Conference High School Design Competition.
Other school and community activities have not escaped Mark's interest. These include tutoring chemistry and physics students, organizing and running a "Toys for Tots" charity benefit modeling event, and playing the piano, saxophone, and bassoon in the high school band.
Since joining the Academy in 1989, Mark's modeling activities have been primarily concentrated in Control Line Combat. He has flown in numerous United States events and has represented the United States as a Junior at three F2D (Combat) FAI World Championships. Mark finished 4th in Kiev, Ukraine in 1998. Because of the way that competition is structured, on one occasion, his accomplishments counted for the team placing, resulting in a win for the United States.
Mark has also applied his school training to his modeling through design techniques. He states, "Aside from competing and/or winning, I enjoy Combat because it is relaxing; it serves as a sort of stress relief valve for me."
Congratulations, Mark and good luck in pursuing your ambitious career goals.
John Best
John Best, of Kernersville, North Carolina, was presented a Charles Hampson Grant award in the amount of $4,500. Currently, he is enrolled in North Carolina State University where his major is Mechanical Engineering. He graduated in the top twenty of his class.
John has a deep interest in creative writing, which has resulted in his winning a number of essay contests. In addition, these skills have been helpful in developing puppet scripts for a drama team for children at his church.
John plays alto saxophone in the school band, sings in youth choir, plays basketball, Junior Varsity football and participates in a weight lifting program. He is a member of several service clubs, including Junior Civitan, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Future Business Leaders of America.
Involved with Boy Scouts, John has served as Senior Patrol Leader as well as other positions. He is proudest of his Eagle Scout Award earned in early 1998. Since then, he has received two subsequent palms. Additionally, he was inducted into the Order of the Arrow, the World Conservation Award, and participated in a United Way television commercial.
John began building model airplanes in the second grade. His initial interest was generated after reading a Boy's Life magazine article. After persuading his parents to help him obtain materials, he constructed numerous Hand-Launched Gliders from scratch, based on the magazine article. From these, he moved to kits including, as he describes it, "...an ill-fated F4U Corsair."
As a seventh grader, John located a man who lacked the necessary time to build an Eagle 50 and purchased it inexpensively, complete with engine and radio. It was then that he joined the AMA. Since he was not aware of a club in his area, he relied upon a stranger to help teach him to fly. The experience was ill-fated and he never got to touch the transmitter!
Fortunately, John located a club and persevered. With a club member's assistance, he was able to solo and consequently became involved in mall shows, fun-flys, and good camaraderie overall. Recently, his persistence, patience, and long hours of building were rewarded by his receiving the club's "Plane of the"
AMA News
Chris Wenburg
Chris Wenburg, from Beaver City, Nebraska, was presented a Charles Hampson Grant scholarship in the amount of $3,500. In August, he began his higher education at Chadron State College after being accepted into their Rural Health Opportunity Program in pre-dentistry. Students are selected based on their educational accomplishments and desire to return to rural Nebraska.
Continuously maintaining a position on the honor roll, he achieved a cumulative 97.49 out of 100 point average. This score was maintained while taking advanced placement classes in anatomy, chemistry, physics, and calculus.
A variety of extra-curricular activities and class offices occupied part of his time. These included Student Council Treasurer, School Technology Committee, and National Honor Society. Chris enjoyed playing as the first chair trombone in the concert band and was also involved with the pep band, jazz band, and played solos. The golf team, speech team, and acting in a one-act play competition revealed the variety of his interests. Chris' community activities involve teaching church Sunday school and singing in the choir. The local Masonic band also benefited from his talents. During the summer, Chris and his two older brothers operated a lawn mowing service. Starting with just a few jobs in 1988, the business now has eight mowers and some fifty clients.
At the age of nine, because of his Dad's interest in aeromodeling, Chris became interested as well. Noting his fascination of the hobby, a friend of his father gave Chris a Midwest Aerosan .20 kit for Christmas. This led to the flight of the aircraft the following spring. Six different kits have followed the first model as he works at perfecting his building and flying skills. Beyond recreational flying, Chris enjoys participating in fly-ins and working with the small flying club now established in his community.
Chris realizes that the six years of school required to obtain a Dentistry degree will make it difficult to pursue his modeling interests to the degree he has since he joined AMA in 1992. However, he states, "Through my modeling hobby, I have learned many skills and have been able to meet a variety of people. My modeling experiences are something that I can always remember and am sure that I will continue to pursue. Many people have helped me with my modeling and I hope that through my continued modeling I can help others."
Good luck, Chris! The members of the Academy are pleased to help.
Andrew Wineinger
Andrew Wineinger hales from Andover, Minnesota, where he graduated from Anoka High School last June. He received a Charles Hampson Grant award of $2,000 for his continuing education at Florida College in Temple Terrace, Florida. After completing his general courses in the first two years, Andrew wishes to move into an engineering school for a degree in Aerospace Engineering.
Andrew ranked third out of 632 in his graduation class, achieving a grade point average of 4.664 or of a possible 4.8. His high school counselor remarks, "He is an individual capable of managing all aspects of his life, yet challenges himself to learn more, grow within himself and the world, and cope with the pressures of maintaining a top rank in our state's largest high school."
Through various activities in the school and community, Andrew has exhibited those qualities. From first grade, Andrew has been involved in the Boy Scout program. This has provided an opportunity for community involvement helping the less fortunate through food drives, beautifying public lands, and learning about government.
Andrew maintains that his firm faith in God and participation in his church is a foundation for his life. This is echoed in his work with Habitat for Humanity, a group that constructs housing for low-income families. Additionally, he is a participant in the Florida College Booster Club, which makes it possible for needy Christian youth to attend the school.
Through the National Honor Society, Andrew has worked with elementary school children and the elderly. The Society recently hosted a "Senior Prom" for the residents of a local retirement home. Andrew has also been involved with the high school Nordic skiing team and the Minnesota Junior Academy of Science.
Andrew's modeling career began while accompanying his father to the Grassfield RC Club's flying field. He probably would prefer not to remember that the earliest direct involvement occurred when he removed Dad's frequency control clothespin from the board to seal his bag of chips!
From styrofoam Gliders and Rubber models as a small child, he moved to Estes rockets and an Ugly Stick. Since then, he has designed and built numerous rockets and aircraft. On many occasions, he has entered the club's Builders' Show.
After a foray into Electrics, Andrew has now just completed a Glider, which awaits micro-scrapers before it flies. He admits that he has probably built more models than he has flown. He states, "I want to design planes; I want to fly; I want others to fly; I want space open to the general public much like the skies are to the private pilot today."
The Academy wishes you blue skies, Andrew, as you pursue your dreams!
William Lutz
William Lutz of Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, was awarded a Charles Hampson Grant scholarship of $2,000. In addition, he received a $1,000 Tom Hutchinson award.
William (Bill) graduated from Lincoln High School and is now working toward a major in Computer Engineering at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.
At the conclusion of his high school career, Bill ranked third in his class with a weighted grade point average of 5.0166. He was further distinguished by achieving National Merit Scholarship status, National Merit Scholarship Award, National Merit Seal, Award, Washington State Leagued Award, and was the school's representative to the Pennsylvania State University Science Bowl.
Bill's extra-curricular activities included a variety of interests. He was a letterman on the Varsity Wrestling team and served as team captain. He was the vice-president of the Student Council, secretary of the Key Club, was also a member of the National Honor Society, Students Against Drinking, and the Spanish Club.
A number of civic activities were included in Bill's schedule. These included American Legion Keystone Boys State, American Cancer Society, Lion's Club Easter Egg Hunt, Wayne Township Road Clean-Up, and many others. Over a three-year period, he achieved the third-degree brown belt in Shichotan Karate. Serving as a lifeguard at the public swimming pool rounded out a full schedule.
Bill is currently an active member of the Penn-Ohio Radio Kontrol Society (PORKS). His interests range from a recently completed Ultimate to designing various types of Free Flight models. His Free Flight designs have been used for various school projects and in all, he and his friend have created ten different designs, as well as a catapult system to be used for several of them.
In addition to the Free Flight activity, Bill enjoys flying in fun-flys and participating in model displays. He is currently seeking support to begin flying Combat events within the club. He hopes to create a demonstration team for the club and is presently working with a friend to develop formation flying with two Ultimate models.
William looks forward to a continuing modeling experience. He states, "I have enjoyed building all of these aircraft and have never had a major accident. Modeling has been a very rewarding experience."
Happy flying Bill, and best wishes for a productive educational experience.
James Buescher
James Buescher, of Camden, Maine, received a $2,000 Sig award that will assist him as he enters Cornell University. His goal is to achieve a degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. His high school guidance director states, "Independent, intelligent, sincere, open-minded, and fascinated with engineering and design, James Buescher learns best by hands-on, elbow-deep activity." His record reflects this.
Projects which indicate his proclivity for such activity is the construction of an original design in fifth-scale, of a heavy lifting, STOL aircraft he calls the Camair. He and a friend have formed a team to develop a remotely-operated submarine for a program called Project Discovery. Displacing some 280 pounds fully loaded, the craft utilizes four heavy-duty electric motors powering the model through impeller-fitted internal ducts.
James has also participated in the Young America Student Cup, which involves the designing of a model sailboat for racing. He and a friend have won the regional competition three years in a row. They have also placed at the state level.
School and community activities have played an important role in James' life. He played the euphonium in the band and sang baritone in the high school chorus. The All State band was graced by his participation as well.
James also tutored elementary and middle school students as part of a PAL program, participated as a member of the tennis team, and found time to complete his FAA certification for a private pilot's license. James helped with a student-run water quality monitoring program in the Megunticook watershed and served as a volunteer at the Owl's Head Transportation Museum.
James' modeling career began with plastic models, included Guillows rubber-powered models, and RC trainers. He is currently involved with Radio Control scale aircraft. He finds it most relaxing to fly a .15 powered Lazy Bee and an electric-powered glider. Since there is a river behind the house, he found the temptation to fly from water too much to resist.
Unfortunately, since there is no local club or site, James and his father are forced to drive to the Kennebec Valley Model Aviators field, about 60 miles away. The long trip always included a stop at a hobby shop along the way.
Looking toward his entry to Cornell, James states, "Now, as I approach the end of my high school career, I am looking forward to the expanded opportunities I will have for pursuing my love of modeling at Cornell."
As James moves forward toward his goal, the Academy wishes him well!
Jeffrey Pfeifer
Jeffrey Pfeifer hails from Springfield, Missouri where he attended Glendale High School. He was presented a Sig award in the amount of $1,500 to be used as he pursues pre-engineering courses leading to an Aerospace Engineering degree. He has been a member of AMA for 12 years. In July 1987, at the age of seven, he finished first place in Class A and Class B electric-powered Free Flight.
In high school, Jeffrey took part in a variety of school and community activities. He ran track and cross-country where he was selected sports and ran all four years. He was also a member of the Glendale Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Glendale Foreign Language Club.
Jeffrey's community service included volunteer work at the Community Blood Center, helping a teacher with Ozark High School's Flying Tigers RC Club, and performing as a guest flyer for the Springfield Flying Circus, a benefit for children's charities. Church youth programs were also an active part of his life.
Jeffrey designs most of his own models used in competition. These include RC Sailplanes, Pattern, IMAC, Electric, Pylon, Old-timers, Scale, and competition fun-flys. He is an active member of the League of Silent Flight, Johnson City Soaring Society, Johnson County Barnstormers, 114th Jayhawk Squadron, and the Springfield RC Club.
One of his most interesting opportunities is performing as a member of the Heart of America Air Show Team. His list of competition wins is most impressive and ranges from local events to the AMA Nationals. The bulk of these wins are in Sailplane and Electric events. He is, in fact, an 11-time Jr./Sr. National Champion.
Jeffrey has found it necessary to help provide additional family assistance as a result of a condition suffered by his mother four years ago. In addition to working part-time, he assists his family in many other ways.
Jeffrey states, "Because of my involvement with model aeronautics for all of these years, I have the desire to become an aerospace engineer."
Good luck in your endeavor, Jeffrey. The Academy is pleased to recognize your accomplishments.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
