The Chapter 78 scholarship committee has selected Ms. Kelly Rexon of Bloomington, MN as the 2011 recipient of the Doug Yost Memorial Scholarship. Kelly is a senior at Minnesota State University Mankato. Kelly plans to graduate in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation. Kelly participated in the PSEO (Post Secondary Education Opportunity) program that is offered in Minnesota.  This program allows qualified high school juniors and seniors to take classes at a local college while still in high school.  Kelly took advantage of this program and received her Associates Degree at Normandale Community College the same year she graduated from high school.  Kelly has earned her CFI, CFII, MEI, and Seaplane certificates. Kelly has logged over 500 hours total time.  Kelly says she thoroughly enjoy flight instructing and feels that she would benefit greatly from aerobatic training both as a pilot and as an instructor. Kelly aspires to become a commercial airline pilot. Below is the essay Kelly included with her Scholarship application about why she would to receive the scholarship. Editor's Note: The essay was written before Kelly worked to obtain all the ratings she holds today

Personal Essay submitted for the Doug Yost Scholarship by Kelly Rexon in 2011

I have always had a passion for flying and my ultimate goal is to become a commercial airline pilot. I flew solo for the first time on October 29. 2008 when I was sixteen years old. I distinctly remember the exhilaration. freedom. and joy I felt that day. My flight instructor played a vital role in helping me to achieve this goal and continued to inspire and guide me on the path toward becoming a private pilot. In the next two years. I acquired my commercial pilot certificate: single and multi-cngine land with instrument airplane privileges. Now. I am excited to be in a position to obtain my night instructor certificate and help people realize their dreams and discover the joy of aviation.

Training 10 be a night instructor has made me a more capable and knowledgeable pilot. It has also made me realize how much more there is to know. I have always admired acrobatic pilots and their ability to control an airplane: with great precision. When I watch an acrobatic performance it makes me think of a well choreographed ballet. I would love to learn aerobatics and gain more confidence and skill in commanding an airplane. In preparation for my Certified Flight Instructor certificate I received my spin endorsement. This was my first experience with any form aerobatics and it was thrilling. I know that when I start flight instructing it will be extremely beneficial to receive acrobatic training and that is another reason why I hope to be awarded this scholarship.

I am currently enrolled in the Aviation Department at Minnesota State University, Mankato. I consider myself a motivated. conscientious. and dedicated student. I have worked hard to achieve straight A's and place myself in a position to receive academic awards. scholarships and leadership positions. To date my education has been funded by scholarships and the PSEO (post-secondary education opportunity) program in the state of Minnesota. Through the PSEO program. I received my Associate Degree from Normandale Community College at the same time that I graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School.

In addition to my focus on academics.. I am also active in organizations and the community at Minnesota State University. I enjoy participating in the Women in Aviation chapter. Aviation Club. serving as treasurer of Alpha Eta Rho aviation fraternity and vice-president of Thc National Society of Leadership and Success. All of these organizations have community service and outreach programs. I was recently awarded the position of safety officer and newsletter editor for the Safely Management System being incorporated into the aviation program at MNSU. Prior to college. I was very active in athletic. academic and community organizations in my high school and community college.

I plan to graduate from Minnesota Slate University in the spring of 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Aviation. Following graduation, I intend to continue flight instructing and join the Air National Guard. My family has a strong tradition of service to our country that I hope to continue. My ultimate goal is to pursue a flight officer position at a major airline while serving in the Air National Guard as well.