(L-R) Jeff Jaynes, Trenton Kessler, Chris James, Jenny Byrne, Jon Joseph, Mark Freeze, Lukasz Zagrodny, Matt. (Not Pictured - Kris Mear)

(Email from Chris):
Mike,
I can't thank you enough for the scholarship! Winning this award was the by far the highlight of my academic career at SIU. Thanks for all that you have done for the aviation community (with your website) and SIU (with you scholarships). I can't wait to take AF 304 in the spring. This would not have been possible for me with out your help. I hope that one day I will be able to give back to aviation program the way that you have. Take care and thanks again!

Chris James

(Email from Lukasz):
Dear Mike,
I am honored to have received the scholarship again this year and extremely thankful for your contribution. Receiving this scholarship will give me the opportunity to build multi engine time and expedite my dream of becoming an airline pilot. Also, I would like to thank you for all of the hard work you have done to make these scholarships happen. Thank you once again for letting me reach my dream sooner than I thought.

Thank You!
Luke Zagrodny

(Email from Mark):
Dear Mike,
I would like to start off by saying thank you once again for awarding me with a scholarship this year. Your support of aviation students is extremely commendable, and leaves me wanting to give back to the aviation community just as you have. Your scholarship will help me complete my flight training, and will help pave the way to my career. Without your support none of this would be possible!

Thanks Again!
Mark Freeze

(Email from Jeff):
Dear Mike,
I cannot thank you enough for the scholarship. Funds are running dry in my senior year and because of you this will get me that much closer to being able to afford AF304 in the Spring. I think it is incredible all that you do to give back to the aviation community, especially us here at SIUC. I said in my interview that one day my career goal is to operate an Airline. Well, if I ever get to that goal (or anywhere even close for that matter) I hope I can give back just like you. Success and a brighter future start with education.

Jeff Jaynes

(Email from Jenny):
Dear Mike,
I was really excited to win the $1,000 scholarship this year and I just wanted to say thanks so much to you and everyone who helped make the scholarships possible. Everyone knows that flight training is expensive and $1,000 goes a long way. In fact, this scholarship will help me to get my multi-engine rating and continue my dream to be an airline pilot. You've done amazing things for aspiring pilots with your website and scholarships. I also look forward to helping young pilots in the future as you've helped me.

Sincerely,
Jennifer Byrne

(Email from Jon):
Dear Mike and Family,
I want to thank you once again for awarding the scholarship to me this year. However, you better make it to the banquet next year! Haha, just kidding... You truly make a difference, not just with my life, but with the aviation community around you. With your help, I will be able to realize my dreams much sooner. I hope I can give back to the aviation community one day just as you have.

Thanks again!
Jon Joseph

(Email from Trenton):
Dear Mike and Family,
I would like to thank you for awarding me with your very generous scholarship. It will definetly be a big help in getting me through the flight program financially. I really wish I could have thanked you in person at the banquet Mike! You have done amazing things for SIU aviation and I can only hope to follow in your footsteps. Thanks again for everything you do!

Trenton Kessler

(Email from Kris):
Dear Mike,
I want to thank you and your family for choosing me as one of this year's scholarship award recipients. I am truly grateful for this gift and it will surely help me to reach my goals in aviation. You are a blessing for many of us pilots who cannot afford the rising costs of flight training, and I hope to someday contribute to the cause.

Thank you again,
Kristopher J Mear