Award Winners
The Elevate Award is a scholarship to aid aviation professionals at every stage in their career
In 2023, $20,000 was awarded to 8 applicants
Hannah Shickles
Dubuque, WI
Awarded $3,000
Hannah's journey into aviation began unexpectedly when she volunteered at the Kelch Aviation Museum for her high school senior project. Initially unfamiliar with aviation, a chance offer to fly in a vintage biplane changed her perspective. This transformative experience sparked her passion for aviation, leading her to work at the museum for three years in various roles, from Archivist to Museum Curator. Hannah's dedication and diverse responsibilities ranged from designing museum layouts to coordinating events and flying museum aircraft. Her aviation journey continued as she pursued flight training, earning her private pilot certificate by trading her unique skill of reskinning antique airplane wings for flight hours. The Elevate Award will fund Hannah's Instrument Rating contributing to her path of success in the aviation industry.
Thomas Botkin
Corcoran, MN
Awarded $3,000
Striving to become a military officer and pilot, Thomas is eager to use his Elevate Award to secure his instrument rating and refine his aviation skills. This pursuit increases his prospects for admission to the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) and prepares him for the challenges of military aviation. Thomas is no stranger to overcoming difficulties. At 14, he navigated the complexities of training during the COVID-19 pandemic, successfully earning his PPL. His dedication to service and academic excellence is evident through his leadership role in the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) and his enrollment in nine advanced placement courses. Thomas views The Elevate Award as a strategic commitment to his future, aiding him in achieving his goals.
Laura Schevenius
Lakeville, MN
Awarded $3,000
Laura, inspired by a family legacy of Army helicopter pilots, earned her private pilot's license at the University of North Dakota. Commissioned into the Minnesota Army National Guard, she excelled in Army flight school, becoming proficient in UH-60 A/L and Blackhawk helicopters. Laura's versatile career encompasses service as a National Guardsman, an Air Traffic Controller, and a deployment to South Texas, earning her the Army Commendation Medal. Beyond her military service, Laura has dedicated four years to MN ACE Camp as a camp counselor and military sponsor. Transitioning back into civilian life with the support of her husband, Eric, Laura aims to pursue a commercial aviation career. Her Elevate Award will help offset some of the cost of her Multi-Engine rating and Restricted ATP.
Tyler Hudson
North Mankato, MN
Awarded $3,000
Tyler, a dedicated Cadet Airman in the Civil Air Patrol's Mankato, Minnesota Squadron, is on a mission to achieve his aviation dreams. Utilizing the Elevate Award, he plans to complete the final 10 hours of his Private Pilot License (PPL) and initiate training for his Instrument Rating. Guided by his instructor, Chris Soderman, Tyler is recognized for consistently meeting and exceeding standards. Tyler attended MN ACE Camp in 2023. This experience provided Tyler with valuable insights into airport operations and mentorship from experienced airline pilots, solidifying his aspirations of becoming a commercial pilot with Delta Airlines.
Nicholas Ward
Shelbyville, KY
Awarded $3,000
Nicholas, a senior at Eastern Kentucky University, has harbored a profound love for aviation since childhood, marked by early memories of taking flights and exploring classic aircraft alongside his uncle. As an adult, his academic achievements in airline management, airport operations, and meteorology highlight his commitment to becoming a well-rounded aviation professional. As he nears graduation, Nick has actively engaged in career-building activities, from airside tours at MSP and SDF to behind-the-scenes experiences at Endeavor Airlines, showcasing his commitment to learning and networking. Nick plans to attend North American Flight Control for his dispatch license next year. The Elevate Award will help pave the way for him to begin a career as an airline dispatcher.
Hannah Henderson
Tonto Basin, AZ
Awarded $2,000
From flight attendant to pilot, Hannah's narrative embodies the unyielding force of determination and perseverance in the pursuit of dreams. Since 2010, she has navigated financial challenges and the delicate balance of motherhood amidst demanding flight training. Despite these hurdles, Hannah achieved significant milestones, obtaining her private pilot's license and instrument rating. Now, with the Elevate Award, she is poised to complete her CFI. Actively engaged in aviation organizations like WAI and Civil Air Patrol, Hannah, supported by her husband Justin, daughter Hazel, and instructors Steve and Becky Vaught, aspires to become a commercial pilot. Her story is an inspiration, echoing from the aisles to the cockpit, inspiring girls worldwide.
Jonah Olson
Little Falls, MN
Awarded $1,500
Jonah's interest in aviation was cultivated through family outings to air shows and explorations of vintage aircraft from WWII and the Vietnam era. Jonah's talents extend beyond aviation, encompassing achievements in music and sports. After graduating high school in 2023, Jonah attended MN ACE Camp, a transformative experience that redirected his focus from multiple 4-year music school scholarships to a career in aviation. Currently pursuing a dual major in Robotics and Music at a local college, Jonah takes PPL lessons at Lakes Area Aviation. Jonah's resilience, strong family support, and mentorship from Carl Rydeen, retired ATC, position him as a deserving recipient of the Elevate Award.
Meridath Jackson
Grand Forks, ND
Awarded $1,500
During her time at UND, Meridath excelled academically and took on key leadership roles in various aviation-related initiatives. She served as president of the University of North Dakota Women in Aviation Chapter, mentored students in the Student Aviation Advisory Council, acted as the committee chair for Students Educating Students to Go Higher (an aviation nonprofit organization), and worked as a mental health advocate in the UpLift program within the Aerospace College. Meridath's dedication to inspiring the next generation of aviators led to her involvement as a committee member for MN ACE Camp. The Elevate Award will help support her completion of MEI training, bringing her one step closer to achieving her goal of becoming a first officer at Endeavor Air.
In 2022, $15,000 was awarded to 6 applicants
Jerry Brooks
Fairmont, Minnesota
Awarded $5,000
Jerry is a Math Teacher working at Fairmont High School, where he was awarded Teacher of the Year in 2019. Nine years ago, Jerry completed ground school training from a former student; he earned his Private Pilot Certificate and continues to log hours of flight time with family, friends, and students all over the Midwest. Jerry teaches a Principle of Flight course and will use his Elevate Award to pursue advanced ratings, with the ultimate goal of becoming a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). This certification will allow him to offer course credit and flight hours to his students, many of whom, after taking his course, have gone on to aviation colleges and pursued careers in aviation.
Dylan Hemstock
Spring Park, Minnesota
Awarded $2,750
Inspired by his Grandfather, Dylan has worked in the aviation industry for much of his adult life. He has held positions such as an Aircraft Refueler, Ramp Supervisor, and most recently with Delta Air Lines as an Aircraft Support Mechanic. Every transition he has made gave him a broader level of experience and solidified his dream of becoming an Airline Pilot. Dylan has been an incredible Delta Air Lines Ambassador dedicating his time and resources to educating students at events like MN ACE Days and Girls in Aviation Day. Dylan will use his Elevate Award to continue his flight training. He starts ATP Accelerated Training on Jan 16th, 2023!
Abigail Flom
Honolulu, Hawaii
Awarded $2,750
Abigail is a 2012 MN ACE Camp Alumni conducting scientific research and pursuing her doctoral degree in Earth and Planetary Sciences at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa. Her research involves experimental remote sensing instruments often tested in the air utilizing small aircraft. Opportunities are lost when pilots and scientists don't speak the same language. Abigail seeks to bridge the communication barrier in her lab by obtaining her Private Pilot Certificate, which will help better facilitate her research and ultimately build the foundation for becoming an Astronaut one day.
Devin Durant
Phoenix, AZ
Awarded $1,500
Diversity and inclusion were not prevalent on campus during Devin's first year at the University of North Dakota (UND). Looking to change this for future students of color, he helped found the UND collegiate chapters of Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) and Professional Asian Pilots Association (PAPA). Devin has shown a willingness to help industry organizations find success, including MN ACE Camp. Devin is currently a Certified Flight Instructor at United's Aviate Academy. He will use his Elevate Award to attend industry events held by OBAP, PAPA, and EAA AirVenture to help further his professional development.
Anna Heath
Moorhead, Minnesota
Awarded $1,500
Anna is a 2022 MN ACE Camp Alumni success story. Before attending camp, Anna had never considered a career in aviation. As a senior in high school, she wanted to pursue a career that helped others. She planned to attend Minnesota State University Moorhead and major in Criminal Justice. Camp showed her how vast the world of aviation careers could be, from Military Pilots to Aerial Firefighters to Medivac Pilots. Inspired by mentors, Anna is heading to the University of North Dakota this spring. She is currently pursuing her Private Pilot Certificate at Fargo Jet Center. She will use her Elevate Award to complete her rating.
Ella Jones
Mankato, Minnesota
Awarded $1,500
Ella can't say she grew up with the childhood dream of wanting to fly. While she had strong role models like her dad, who worked in the aviation industry, her passion for flying came in the summer of 2019. After attending MN ACE Camp, Ella decided aviation must be in her blood. At 19 years old, Ella will finish her final semester at Minnesota State University, Mankato, majoring in Professional Flight. She plans to graduate this summer and use her Elevate Award to complete her capstone class, Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ) Airline Transition Course, which gives insight and training into what is expected at an airline.