Kelsey Griffin is a senior at Woodland High School and a dedicated student pilot. She plans to continue her education at Middle Georgia State University, where she will further pursue her passion for aviation with the ultimate goal of becoming a commercial airline pilot. She is especially drawn to the leadership, responsibility, and global opportunities that aviation provides. Kelsey’s academic excellence is the foundation upon which everything else is built. She has maintained a 4.27 grade point average , graduating in the top 10% of her class and earning recognition as a Georgia Certificate of Merit Scholar. As a dual enrollment student at Southern Crescent Technical College, she made history by becoming the first student in the Henry County School System to earn a certification in Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems, demonstrating both the technical proficiency and pioneering spirit that define her character. Her love for aviation began at a young age, sparked by a deep curiosity about how aircraft operate and a fascination with the freedom of flight. That curiosity quickly grew into a passion, leading her to begin flight training at Aviation Career Enrichment(ACE). She is currently in the cross-country phase of her training, continuing to build experience and confidence in pursuit of her private pilot license. Outside of aviation and academics, Kelsey enjoys being a lifeguard,reading, flying, and playing pickleball, balancing her disciplined work ethic with activities that keep her engaged and energized.

Robert Pattison is a junior at Immaculate High School whose interest in aviation began early through Young Eagles flights and O-flights. A C/MSgt in Civil Air Patrol, he serves as Alpha Flight Commander, Aerospace Officer, and Operations Officer for the 399th Composite Squadron. A member of AOPA and EAA Chapter 27, he founded and leads the Aviation Club, enabling members to hear from knowledgeable guest speakers and experience their own YE flights. He is a 7-palm Eagle Scout and Sea Scout Ordinary and has completed several week-long backpacking and sailing expeditions. He is also a member of the Flying Musicians Association. Qualified as a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist, Robert volunteers as an SAT tutor. As a member of several honor societies, he has earned highest academic honors and the Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award. As design lead in the Real World Design Challenge, his team placed second nationally for an autonomous aerial wildfire surveillance system. He is grateful to the LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Foundation for enabling his pursuit of a Private Pilot Certificate, and plans to study Professional Flight and Aerospace Engineering Technology at Purdue.

Kyan Huynh is a sophomore at Liberty Senior High School in Washington. He is actively involved in a range of activities, including Civil Air Patrol, track and field, and his school’s chess club. Within Civil Air Patrol, he achieved the rank of Cadet Second Lieutenant and currently serves as the Cadet Deputy Commander for Training in his squadron. He is also involved in Washington Wing Cadet Advisory Council, where he serves as the primary representative for his squadron. Kyan has received several honors, including a national award from the Office of Naval Research for his research and writing on machine learning and artificial intelligence in autonomous weapon systems for the Naval Horizons Essay Contest. He also placed fifth in state in DECA’s Principles of Hospitality event, qualifying for the International Career Development Conference. His passion for aviation began in Japan where his parents were stationed with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Japan District. Exposure to military aviation sparked a lasting interest, motivating him to pursue his Private Pilot License. Kyan aspires to attend the United States Air Force Academy and pursue a career as a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force. Through the LeRoy Homer Foundation Scholarship, he will be able to take the first steps toward pursuing his dream of flying.

Bradyn Long is a student at Mississippi State University, pursuing aerospace engineering with the goal of combining his love for aviation with a future career in aircraft design and, later in life, professional flying. His passion for aviation began early, especially after flying in his uncle’s small Piper Cherokee – an experience that sparked the same excitement and purpose he still feels every time he’s around airplanes. He has deep personal ties to the story of Flight 93. Much of his family is from Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and his grandmother has long served as an Ambassador at the Flight 93 National Memorial. Growing up with that connection taught him the importance of leadership, responsibility, and service – qualities he strives to embody as both a future engineer and a pilot. The example of courage and strong decision-making associated with Flight 93 has shaped the way he thinks about aviation and the kind of leader he strives to be. Bradyn is an active member of the Civil Air Patrol, where he has served in leadership roles, mentored younger cadets, and participated in aerospace education, emergency services training, and community outreach. CAP has strengthened his discipline, character, and commitment to serving others — values he also lives out through his involvement in his church, his Christian faith, and his close-knit family, who have supported his aviation journey from the beginning. He is committed to earning his private pilot certificate, advancing through his engineering studies, and building a career that blends technical expertise with real-world flying — whether through business aviation or another professional pathway later in life. Bradyn is honored to be selected as a LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Foundation Flight Scholar and is dedicated to carrying forward LeRoy Homer’s legacy of courage, professionalism, and service as he continues his training.