2008 Scholarship Winners

The ICAS Foundation sponsors several aviation-related scholarships each year, which are awarded to recipients to either begin or further their aviation or aerobatic training.  Each scholarship commemorates a loved and much-missed member of the close-knit air show community.  This year, the Foundation is pleased to award scholarships to eight deserving aviators.

ICAS Foundation / General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) Scholarship.  The Foundation joined with the General Aviation Manufacturers' Association for the first time in 2007 to provide assistance to students seeking an aviation-related degree.  This ground-breaking scholarship partnership enables both organizations to support students seeking a career in an aviation industry, with funds that can be used toward tuition expenses.

The 2008 recipient of the ICASF/GAMA Scholarship is Barry Hyde of Daytona Beach, Florida.  Barry is pursuing a Doctoral degree with Aeronautical Specializations from NorthCentral University in Prescott Valley, Arizona, where his current GPA is 3.92.  In May 2007 he graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a Master of Science in Aeronautics degree with specializations in Aviation Safety and Aviation Operations.  Barry was the first blind student to ever attend ERAU in its 83-year history and earned his Master’s degree with a perfect 4.0 GPA.

In 1998, while flying as a passenger, Barry survived a plane crash with traumatic injuries—including losing his sight and being pronounced DOA when airlifted from the crash site.  Prior to this accident he had over 1,600 flight hours and was one week away from interviewing with USAirways in Charlotte, North Carolina to become an airline pilot.  After 2 years of recovery and rehabilitation, he began studying for several aviation licenses.  In 2000, he passed the Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI) and Instrument Ground Instructor (IGI) tests and the FAA has confirmed that he is the first and only blind person in the world to hold these certifications. 

Charlie Hillard Scholarship.  Charlie R. Hillard was a fiercely determined man, and throughout his life, built an amazing list of “firsts.”  He bought his first airplane at age 18, became the first skydiver in the U.S. to pass a baton in a free-fall, won four National Aerobatic Championships and was the first American to win the world aerobatic title.  He led the Eagles Aerobatic Flight Team for more than 25 years and then began another amazing career as a solo aerobatic pilot.  Throughout his life Charlie was recognized many times for his aerobatic excellence.  While he was truly key to the advancement of precision aerobatics, Charlie was also an enthusiastic contributor and volunteer in his community, particularly devoted to family and children’s causes and organizations.  The Charlie Hillard Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a young man or woman age 18 to 30 who has demonstrated community involvement, and provides $1,000 to further their aviation training.

The 2008 Charlie Hillard scholarship recipient is Adam Gissler of Kirkland, Illinois.  Adam is Founder and President of Kishwaukee Aviators, an aviation interest club and serves as the Kishwaukee High School Aviation Course Teaching Assistant.  He spent two years as a Lineboy at the Poplar Grove Airport (C77).  Adam is currently attending the University of North Dakota enrolled in the Aerospace College with a degree in Aviation Management as a transfer student. He tasted flight for the first time when he was 16 years old, and has not been able to stop looking towards the sky each time he hears the sound of an airplane fly over.  Adam says, "I want to fly because it fulfills me. I still find it hard to explain the feeling I have when I am flying, but what I can tell you is that it is unlike anything else. It is a different world for me, not like a retreat, but more of a ‘higher’ place if you will; this is why I want to fly. My Grandpa was a fighter pilot flying F-86’s, unfortunately he died when I was a very young age and I was unable to appreciate what he had done and share the stories of his experiences. When I am flying I feel like there is something special there, as if I am continuing the flying for him and sharing those experiences he had."

French Connection Scholarship.  Daniel Heligoin and Montaine Mallet together formed French Connection Airshow for over 26 years.  Following their deaths during a practice session in May 2000, family members, friends and fans worked together to create a memorial fund that could be used to give, as Daniel would say, “the gift of wings.”  The French Connection Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a male and a female flight instructor who need financial help acquiring aerobatic training so he or she can do a better job teaching or to seek a position giving aerobatic instruction.  The scholarship provides $1,000 to be applied toward aerobatic training.

Michelle Bassanesi of Rome, Italy is the female recipient of the 2008 French Connection Memorial Scholarship.  She is a single mum to a beautiful 24 year old daughter. Michelle came to Italy from Australia at the age of 15 and is now head of administration at CP Centro Pilota Srl, an event servicing company set up by her grandmother in Rome, Italy. Michelle is also a pilot and flight instructor. Having noticed a lack of opportunities and resources in aviation for women in Europe Michelle has taken it on herself to be very actively involved and in 2005 created the European Section to Women in Aviation, International. "What I wish for is to create change and therefore opportunities to ALL those who wish to enter aviation as a profession. For this you need numbers. Strength is in numbers. As a result aviation will be accessable to everyone." Michelle's goal is to become a successful global leader - Create a successful professional network - Become a Corporate Pilot and through AWE – Aviation and Women in Europe, create opportunities for women who wish to enter aviation as a profession! Michelle has also recently been elected treasurer of the prestigious PWA – Professional Women's Association of Rome. Michelle truly inspires and motivates young women to pursue their dreams!

Dwight Leiss of Big Bear City, California is the male recipient of the 2008 French Connection Memorial Scholarship.  At age seventeen, Dwight was a senior in high school, had his own lawn mowing business, and was half way to getting his private pilot license. A fluke motor cycle accident paralyzed him, and drastically changed his life.  After his accident, Dwight attended Feather River College. He moved ten hours from home to finish his dream of becoming a pilot, and now works as a flight instructor and scenic pilot at the local flight school. His aviation activities include instructing, taking people on scenic tours of the local area, spreading the word about adaptive flying to other people with handicaps, and studying for his CFII. In addition to this, Dwight also trained his own service dog.

Jan Jones Memorial Scholarship.  Jan Jones died May 9, 1995 from injuries sustained in an aircraft accident.  She was not only a respected aerobatic pilot; she was loved for her sparkling, energetic personality, her passion for flying, and her willingness to share her knowledge with others.  The Jan Jones Memorial Scholarship has been made possible through an endowment from Jan’s parents, William and Mary Jones, and other generous donors.  The scholarship provides $1,000 to any female who already holds a private pilot’s license, and must be applied toward aerobatic training.

Kristen was born and raised in Minnesota and currently resides in Minneapolis.  She graduated from the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, MN in 2006 with a B.A. in biology.  In her “non-productive” time she enjoys spending time outdoors, whether it be running, canoeing, backpacking, or downhill skiing she loves it all.  She is the daughter of Stella Johnson and Bill Patterson and has a brother-Alex, stepsister-Sarah, and stepbrother-Paul.  Kristen got her Private Pilot Certificate last Halloween in a 7ECA Citabria and is currently working on her Instrument Rating.  Upon completion, she will begin working on Commercial and Certified Flight Instructor Certificates.  Eventually Kristen would like to specialize in tailwheel and aerobatic training.  She says that being able to work with others who share the same passion and desire to fly would be a perfect fit for her.  In the long term, she plans to combine her passion for aviation and her degree in biology by working for an organization such as the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Leo Loudenslager Scholarship.  Leo Loudenslager was a seven-time winner of the United States Aerobatic Championship, and in 1980, he became the World Aerobatic Champion.  His career ended on July 28, 1997 when Leo died as a result of injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.  But it all began in 1964 when Leo took leave from his job as airman at Travis AFB to attend the Reno Air Races, and was inspired to become a pilot.  He was entirely self-taught.  Except for ground school training, he learned everything else aviation on his own, including his commercial, flight instruction and instrument licenses.  The Leo Loudenslager scholarship honors Leo’s background as a military enlisted man who taught himself to fly and went on to aerobatics history.  It is given in rotation to an enlisted member of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, and the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, and provides a $2,000 stipend towards flight training.

The 2008 recipient of the Leo Loudenslager Scholarship is SSgt Earl Armstrong II of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.  Earl is the Dedicated Crew Chief for Thunderbird Number 2, and has longed to fly his whole life.  He wrote to us immediately following his very first flight on his scholarship program, and shared a photo.  "Just an update for you that--it has begun!  I am extremely excited and cannot stop smiling.  Humble thanks again for helping make the dream come to life.  I will be looking forward to meeting you at an air show.  Again thank you and looking forward to it!"

Red Barons Scholarships.  The Red Barons Memorial Scholarships honor two pilots who flew the #2 and #4 positions in the squadron, Sonny Lovelace and Randy Drake who lost their lives in 1998 while performing in a charity air show to benefit the ICAS Foundation.  The two $1,000 dollar scholarships are designed to encourage and financially assist young adults, age 16 or older, who will use their scholarship instruction in tail wheel aircraft operations or aerobatic flight.  The recipients of the Red Barons Memorial Scholarships will be selected by a committee chaired by Kathleen (Kay) Drake, widow of Randy Drake.  Kay is joined by Pat Lovelace, widow of Sonny Lovelace, and former Red Baron pilots John Bowman and Bryan Regan.

The first recipient of the 2008 Red Barons Memorial Scholarship is Geoffrey Bilas of Gilbert, Arizona.  Geoffrey is currently a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, on deployment in Africa.  Here are Geoffrey's plans for making great use of his scholarship money:

"My desire is to begin aerobatic training with the goal to continue improving until I am able to compete in Unlimited level aerobatics, and perform at air shows.  Generally, aerobatics is seen as a sport only accessible to those with money and connections.  I will show the public that aviation and aerobatics are things that are not only beneficial to the community, but that are also available to everyone.  By performing in both competitions and air shows, I will utilize the opportunity that is rarely exercised by others.  I will utilize the opportunity of the captive audience to exude the benefits of general aviation, and rally for airports both big and small.  Pilots can no longer afford to sit back and watch as airports across America are closed.  The uneducated public seems to forget that airports supply the training for pilots of the vacation airliners, and the accessibility to encourage economic growth.  It is my intention to utilize aerobatics to fight for the right to pursue a hobby or career that seemed impossible only 100 years earlier."

The second 2008 recipient of the Red Barons Memorial Scholarship is Brian Ruane of Boca Ratan, Florida.  Brian was born and raised in South Florida, and graduated in the top of his class at Boca Raton Community High School.  During High School he was an active member of Navy JROTC, Varsity Cross Country and Varsity Track and Field.  After graduation, Brian went on to attend the United States Naval Academy where he is currently pursuing a degree in Aerospace Engineering with aspirations of becoming a Navy Pilot.  Brian says, "All in all, I just love flying, I would fly everyday if I could.  In particular nothing gets my heart pounding like watching a live aerobatic performance or pulling g’s while flying my Cessna Sky Hawk.  As you are well aware a Cessna is not an aerobatic airplane; thanks for the opportunity to pursue real aerobatics in a real aerobatic plane."

Sean DeRosier Memorial Scholarship.  Sean Paul DeRosier was a born aviator.  He soloed a glider when he was 14, a power plane at 16, and began flying self-taught aerobatics at 18.  He followed soon after with A&P and IA certifications.  Sean lost his life in October 2004, doing what he knew and loved best - flying.  The Sean DeRosier Memorial Scholarship honors Sean's spirit by assisting other young men and women in their aviation goals. The recipient must be male or female with a private pilot's license, between the ages of 18 and 31 and residing in the western United States, defined as the states of California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada or Idaho. The scholarship provides $1,000 for aerobatic flight training or schooling towards obtaining an A&P license.

  The 2008 recipient of the Sean DeRosier Memorial Scholarship is Joshua Cisneros of Rockton, Illinois.  Joshua will be his scholarship money toward finishing up his Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate at Rock Valley College.  But getting his A&P license is only one of the steps in his plan.  After he finishes the A&P program, Joshua will be busy getting ready to head down to Southern Illinois University.  At Southern Illinois University, he will transfer the Airframe and Powerplant courses to complete a Bachelors degree in Aviation Management.  While at SIU, he also plans to obtain his multi-engine rating, instrument rating, Certified Flight Instructor rating, and commercial license.  Joshua says, "I realize that to become a safe and professional airshow pilot is going to take extreme focus and dedication,  but with continued training and the knowledge that I gain from having my A&P license I believe I will succeed.  In supplement to becoming a professional airshow pilot I would also like to be able to pass on my knowledge as a CFI and teach others skills such as tailwheel, aerobatic, and bush flying."