The San Diego Air & Space Museum inspires young people to tackle the difficult challenges of the science, engineering, mathematics and other sciences and arts studies, and to make a difference in tomorrow’s world through an innovative, adventurous spirit. To further this goal, the Museum recently selected 13 graduating seniors from San Diego County high schools. This year’s scholarships were awarded during a dinner at the San Diego Air & Space Museum on Wednesday, May 27.

Over the past 37 years (1989-2026), 378 talented San Diego County high school seniors have been awarded a total of $1,143,300 through these scholarships. Many of the previous scholarship winners are now enjoying distinguished careers.

The scholarships are awarded annually on behalf of three Museum administered scholarship endowment funds, the Bill Gibbs, Convair Alumni Association, and R.A. Rearwin. In addition, the Museum offers an award to the top applicant going into the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) field.

“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,” said Jim Kidrick, President & CEO of the San Diego Air & Space Museum.

This year’s scholarship recipients include:

Bill Gibbs Endowment Scholars

• MOHAMMED ALYAFEAI, West Hills High School
• FAITH ANDERS, Maranatha Christian Schools
• WADE CONNOR, Point Loma High School
• JAHAZIEL HERMOSILLO FLORES, Chula Vista Senior High School
• KAHLEI MCGONEGLE, Canyon Crest Academy
• DANIA MELING, Southwest Senior High School

R.A. Rearwin Endowment Scholars

• EBENEZER CHAN, Canyon Crest Academy
• FRANK STINGO, Mount Carmel High School

Convair Alumni Association Endowment Scholars

• TRENT BROOKS, Steele Canyon High School
• KAELA FINLEY, Maranatha Christian Schools
• ANDREW HEDLUND, University City High School
• ARIANA HENINGER, Granite Hills High School

Museum STEM Award Scholar

• SAMANTHA BARTON, University City High School

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 the final winners.

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.

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. The Fleet Foundation also provides annual funding in support of these scholarships.

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.

San Diego Air & Space Museum Scholarship: Students are selected for this award 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 we can be.