The San Diego Air & Space Museum inspires young people to tackle the challenges of the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics academic disciplines, and to make a difference in tomorrow’s world through an innovative, adventurous spirit. To further this goal, the Museum recently selected 11 graduating seniors from San Diego County high schools to receive a total of $41,500 in scholarships.

The scholarships are awarded annually on behalf of four Museum administered scholarship endowment funds, the Bill Gibbs, Convair Alumni Association, R.A. Rearwin and Jennings Kelly Scarborough funds. The Museum also awards an annual scholarship for an outstanding student pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics. To date, 304 talented San Diego County high school seniors have been awarded a total of $896,500 through these scholarships.

“Every year we consider many outstanding applicants,” said Katrina Pescador, Chair of the Museum’s Scholarship Committee. “And each year, I continue to be impressed with these future leaders and their many accomplishments.”

Jim Kidrick, Museum President & CEO commented, “These scholarship programs exemplify our intent to aid deserving students wanting to advance their education - our entire mission is all about inspiring our next greatest generations to excel in their lives.”

Scholarships awarded, high school attended and college selected:

San Diego Air & Space Museum Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Scholar:
Brian Hoon Hoh, Otay Ranch High School, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Bill Gibbs Endowment Scholars:
Liam E. Fowler, Westview High School, University of California – San Diego
Lorenzo Xavier Van Munoz, University City High School, California Institute of Technology

Convair Alumni Association Endowment Scholars:
Allyson Marie Bailey, Scripps Ranch High School, Texas Christian University
Riley Wilson Ellis, Valhalla High School, Reed College - Portland
Trevor A. Howat, Mt. Carmel High School, San Diego State University
Megan Linda Sardina, University City High School, University of California - Los Angeles
Daniel William Turner, Carlsbad High School, University of California - Los Angeles
John Paul Wood, Coronado High School. University of California - Los Angeles

R. A. Rearwin Endowment Scholar:
Tristan S. Hooker, Del Norte High School, San Diego State University

Jennings Kelly Scarborough Scholar:
Angelo Tomas Cervantes, Mountain Valley Academy, Arizona State University

Each of the scholars submitted an extensive application, listing their academic achievements, their extracurricular and community service activities, several teacher recommendations, and an essay. They were then interviewed by a panel of judges to determine final winners.

The 29th scholarship award ceremony was held Tuesday, June 12, at the San Diego Air & Space Museum’s Rearwin Gallery.

San Diego Air & Space Museum Scholarship: Students are selected who are graduating from a San Diego County high school, who have expressed a desire to pursue a degree in the sciences, technology, engineering or mathematics, and who have demonstrated an interest in exploring the outer bounds of what can be. Initiated in 2014, five scholarships have been awarded, totaling $20,000.

Bill Gibbs Endowment: The late Bill Gibbs, a San Diego businessman, and founder of Montgomery Field, established the Bill Gibbs Scholarship Fund with a $10,000 gift to the San Diego Air & Space Museum in 1988. Students are selected for the Bill Gibbs Scholarship who are graduating from a San Diego County high school, and who express and demonstrate a desire to pursue a career in aviation or in an aerospace related field. Since 1989, $266,500 has been awarded to 112 Bill Gibbs scholars.

Convair Alumni Association Endowment: In 1997, the Convair Alumni Association provided Convair Recreation Association funds, as well as funds from the General Dynamics Corporation, to support scholarships for San Diego County high school graduating seniors who are direct descendants of former employees of Consolidated Aircraft Corporation, Consolidated-Vultee Aircraft Corporation, or the Convair, Astronautics or Space Systems Divisions of General Dynamics Corporation, and who worked in the San Diego area. Since that time, 142 scholars have enjoyed the support of a Convair Alumni Association Scholarship, totaling $489,600.

R.A. Rearwin Endowment: In 2000, the late Kenneth Rearwin and his family established a scholarship in honor of his late father, R.A. Rearwin, a noted aircraft and engine manufacturer. Scholarships are awarded to San Diego County high school graduating seniors who demonstrate a strong career interest in the aerospace industry and who love to “tinker” with electronics and engines. Since then, there have been 40 R.A. Rearwin scholars, who have received a total of $108,400.

Jennings Kelly Scarborough Endowment: In 2014, a new scholarship was awarded for a graduating San Diego County high school senior who professes and demonstrates a desire to pursue an aviation career as a pilot. The Jennings Kelly Scarborough Scholarship has been established by Mary Scarborough in honor of her late husband’s love of flight, as both a military and civilian pilot. Kelly Scarborough also served on the Museum’s Scholarship Committee. Five Scarborough scholars have received a total of $12,000.