Ready Room Blog
6/11/2025
Introducing the
2025 Scholarship Recipients
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum Awards 14 Scholarships to those who dream of a future in Aviation.
2025 Scholarship Winners
The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is honored to award multiple scholarships, generously supported by our donors, dedicated to educating and inspiring the next generation of aviation leaders. We are excited to announce the recipients of our 2025 aviation scholarships. Fourteen outstanding individuals have been chosen from a highly competitive pool of candidates—each demonstrating exceptional achievements, unwavering dedication, and a profound passion for aviation.
For the Love of Country Scholarship
The For Love of Country Scholarship is part of the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum Educational Endowment, which was established in 2021 to fund the Museum’s educational efforts and to award scholarships to individuals committed to a career in aviation. The endowment was funded with $1,000,000 by the Rick & Teresa Price Family as a condition of the sale of a division of their Hawaii-based company to Oil Changers, Inc. in January 2020. The For Love of Country Scholarship awards up to $10,000 for individuals whose commitment to an aviation career is evident.
2025 Recipients:
Malina Mossman | $10,000
Maui, Hawaii
Malina proudly earned her Private Pilot License last summer, marking a milestone in her aviation journey. She is currently advancing her expertise by studying Aviation Science at Utah Valley University, focusing on acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to obtain her Instrument Rating and Commercial Pilot License. Malina’s immediate goal is to become a flight instructor, a role that will not only deepen her experience but also allow her to mentor aspiring pilots. Ultimately, she dreams of flying for Hawaiian Airlines—an opportunity that would bring her back to Maui and enable her to give back to the community that has been a vital part of her success.
Connor Runkle | $8,500
Daytona Beach, Florida
Connor’s aviation journey began nearly four years ago when he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Working on C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, he developed a profound passion for aviation and the dream of becoming a pilot. Currently, Connor is pursuing his studies in aviation at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University while actively participating in Air Force ROTC. His goal is to graduate and commission through Embry-Riddle, then return to active duty as a pilot to fly the very aircraft that inspired his career. Alongside his personal ambitions, Connor is committed to using his experience and skills to inspire and mentor the next generation of aviators.
Harley Lenart | $8,500
Chapel Hill, Tennessee
Harley brings over 12 years of dedicated service as a police officer and a passionate commitment to advancing public safety through aviation. Combining a deep sense of duty with a love for flying, Harley aspires to secure a full-time pilot role within a law enforcement aviation unit. In 2024, Harley achieved the impressive milestone of earning a fixed-wing Private Pilot License in just 45.3 hours, demonstrating remarkable focus and determination. Currently, Harley is pursuing Instrument and Commercial Ratings to further enhance piloting skills. Looking to the future, Harley aims to expand service to medical transport operations, using aviation as a vital means to save lives and support the community.
Alanah Pluchos | $6,500
Port Orange, Florida
Alanah is a proud graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics and graduated with Magna Cum Laude honors. She is currently a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII) and has been instructing for over two years. Her next goals include completing her Multi-Engine Rating and obtaining her Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) certification. Alanah’s long-term career aspiration is to fly international routes for a major airline while inspiring and mentoring the next generation of pilots along the way.
Patsuqua Xiong | $6,500
Morganton, North Carolina
Patsuqua began her aviation career as a flight attendant, where her passion for flying quickly grew. After a year in that role, she transitioned into flight training and recently earned her Commercial Pilot License. She is currently pursuing her Multi-Engine Rating and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certification, with plans to continue on to earn her CFII. Patsuqua intends to instruct at her current flight school and, in the long term, aims to give back by supporting the next generation of aviators. Her goal is to fly for a commercial airline—fulfilling her own dreams while creating opportunities for others by contributing to scholarship funds like this one.
Sienna Rose | $5,500
Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Over the past year, Sienna completed her Private Pilot License and will continue her studies this fall at Charleston Southern University in South Carolina. There, she plans to advance her aviation training by pursuing her Instrument Rating, Commercial License, Multi-Engine Rating, Certified Flight Instructor certification, and all additional requirements necessary to become an airline pilot. Sienna’s long-term goals include flying for a commercial airline and eventually transitioning into MedEVac or other medical flight operations, using her skills to serve and support those in critical need.
Heather Smith | $5,500
Honolulu, Hawaii
Heather Smith, a 17-year-old licensed drone and Single-Engine Airplane Private Pilot from Hawaii, discovered her passion for aviation at 13 through Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum’s Flight School for Girls. Inspired by the experience, she began volunteering with the Museum’s education programs and joined the Civil Air Patrol. As part of the first Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum (PHAM) Aviation Pathways cohort, she earned her Private Pilot License just one week after turning 17. Heather will attend Purdue University to pursue a Professional Flight degree. Her goals include becoming a commercial airline and Air National Guard pilot, while also engaging in aviation organizations to help empower more young women to explore and pursue careers in aviation.
Anthony Joseph Panganiban | $5,500
Mililani, Hawaii
Within the past year, Anthony Joseph has been grateful to have achieved several significant milestones in his aviation journey. In January 2024, he became a pilot for the Civil Air Patrol, and by December 2024, he earned his Instrument Rating after a semester of dedicated effort. During that same semester, he was honored to be interviewed and selected for the Horizon Air Pilot Development Program. Anthony’s aviation goals include becoming a Certified Flight Instructor at a local flight school on Oahu and flying air charter operations. Once he meets the Airline Transport Pilot minimums, he plans to fly for Horizon Air and ultimately aspires to achieve his dream of flying for Hawaiian Airlines.
Makayla Galler | $5,500
Northglenn, Colorado
From earning her Private Pilot License at the age of 16 to founding Pilot Prodigies, Makayla has consistently combined her passion for aviation with a deep commitment to service. She is currently a Navy ROTC midshipman at Arizona State University, pursuing a career as a Naval Aviator. Makayla holds both glider and airplane single-engine ratings and is actively working toward her Instrument Rating, supported by scholarships and part-time work. She has held leadership roles with Women in Aviation, the Colorado Pilots Association, and U.S. Drone Soccer, and has also completed an internship with NASA. Her long-term goal is to serve as a Navy pilot and later contribute to innovation in aviation and spaceflight, all while inspiring others—especially youth from underserved backgrounds—to pursue careers in aerospace.
COL. ROBERT P. MOORE SCHOLARSHIP
The Col. Robert P. Moore Scholarship was established by Board Member and aviator, Col. Robert P. Moore, to help Hawaii residents in acquiring their initial FAA aircraft pilot certificate and Hawaii-based FAA Commercial Pilots (or ATPs) getting their initial or additional FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate in any FAA Category aircraft.
2025 Recipient:
Aracely Bianca Vasquez | $4,000
Honolulu, Hawaii
Bianca discovered her passion for aviation during an orientation flight with the Maui Civil Air Patrol, which inspired her to earn her Private Pilot Certificate while still in high school. She went on to earn a B.S. in Business Management and, after college, returned home to complete her flight training. Throughout her journey, she has remained active in the aviation community by volunteering with Women in Aviation and participating in animal rescue flights. Bianca also had the incredible opportunity to serve as a pilot intern with Alaska Airlines. Currently, as a flight instructor at George’s Aviation, she enjoys mentoring aspiring pilots and refining her own skills as she works toward her goal of flying for both the Hawaii Air National Guard and Hawaiian Airlines.
Iyanu Bajomo | $2,000
Prescott, Arizona
Iyanu is currently enrolled at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Arizona, majoring in Aeronautical Science. She has completed her first solo flight and continues to progress toward finishing her Private Pilot Certificate. She hopes to complete her license this summer and move on to Instrument training next school year. Looking further ahead, she plans to finish all her certificates at Embry-Riddle and hopes to teach as a flight instructor there, with the goal of eventually becoming a corporate pilot. She also hopes to give back to others who are just starting their aviation journey like herself.
BRIG GEN ROBERT B. AND JUDITH MAGUIRE SCHOLARSHIP
The Brig Gen Robert B. and Judith Maguire Scholarship was established in 2021 by Judith “Judy” Maguire to honor her late husband, Brig Gen Robert “Bob” B. Maguire, a lifelong military and civilian aviator. Aviation has had a lasting impact on the lives of both Bob and Judy and their hope is that this scholarship will help deserving students pursue their dreams of flight.
2025 Recipient:
Tyler Moote | $2,000
Kailua, Hawaii
Tyler is currently a prior enlisted college student with three semesters remaining and a strong aspiration to become a pilot in the United States Air Force. To prepare for this goal, he is accumulating flight hours at a local flight school while managing both academic and leadership responsibilities through ROTC. This scholarship would significantly support his efforts by reducing financial strain and enabling greater focus on flight training, academic success, and the development of the skills essential for a career as a military aviator. With continued dedication and support, Tyler remains confident in the pursuit of a pilot slot.
FRANK DER YUEN AVIATION SCHOLARSHIP
The Frank Der Yuen Aviation Scholarship honors the aviation legacy of Frank Der Yuen, an internationally respected aeronautical engineer, airline executive, and consultant. Scholarships of at least $1,000 are awarded each year to Hawaii residents who have been accepted, or are enrolled, in an aviation-related program at an accredited trade school, college, or university.
2025 Recipients:
Michelle JoAnn | $5,000
Kailua, Hawaii
Michelle serves as the Chapter Chair of the Aloha Chapter 99s, where she empowers female aviators through community, education, and scholarships. She also holds the role of Executive Director of the Hawaii Aviation Expo, an annual community-focused event dedicated to expanding and diversifying Hawaii’s aviation workforce. The expo seeks to inspire the next generation of aviators across the islands by offering industry insights, educational resources, and valuable networking opportunities. Under her leadership, the expo raised $10,000 last year, and the chapter awarded $24,000 in scholarships to Hawaii-based flight students. Michelle is currently working toward her Commercial License at Barbers Point Flight School and aspires to fly for Hawaiian Airlines. She is honored and grateful to be awarded these funds.
ADMIRAL RONALD J. HAYS SCHOLARSHIP
The Admiral Ronald J. Hays Scholarships was established by friends and family members to honor the life, service and achievements of Admiral Hays, a testament to how one can rise from a modest beginning and through hard work and dedication achieve great success while serving one’s nation. His military career included service as a test pilot, combat missions over North Vietnam and numerous leadership commands before his appointment in 1985 as Commander in Chief Pacific Forces (CINCPAC) known today as U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. Instrumental in the founding of this museum, the Admiral Hays Scholarship is distributed to young people who demonstrate the qualities of leadership, patriotism and service to their community.
2025 Recipients:
Caitlin Thomas | $2,000
Mililani, Hawaii
Caitlin is, above all, a devoted wife and mother—her family is her driving force. She began flight training in 2019 and earned her Private Pilot License in 2020. With the support of scholarships from Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, she advanced her training significantly, achieving her Instrument Rating in 2022 and her Commercial License in 2024—milestones for which she remains deeply grateful. Born and raised in Mililani, Hawaii, Caitlin now resides in Seattle, Washington, where she is pursuing her Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) rating while raising her two young sons. She is also a member of the Horizon Airlines Pilot Development Program and aspires to one day fly the Boeing 787 for the Hawaiian x Alaska Airlines partnership.
