2009 Scholarship Winners, Page 5

Turk enlisted in the Navy in 1970, earned a degree, his Wings of Gold and went on to command VFA-192, Camden (AOE-2), John F. Kennedy (CV-67) and Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71).

Lauren Loudon

Issaquah,Washington

A senior at Cedar Park Christian School and the daughter and granddaughter of Naval Aviators LCDR Richard Loudon and CDR Dick Loudon, respectively. Student Body President, was a member of National Honor Society, and was named a 2009 Washington Scholar as well as a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. Lauren is attending Whitworth University. She plans to pursue a career in Educational Administration.

This award is made in the name of RADM James D. “Jig Dog” Ramage, who will long be remembered for his heroism while leading air strikes from Enterprise (CV-6) during WW II, and in later years his role in the development of modern battle group philosophy and Joint-service tactical doctrine. He was instrumental in framing the policies that guided the formation of the Tailhook Association and provided a large editorial influence responsible for the growth and success of The Hook magazine.

Rachel Groters

Lombard, Illinois

An animal-lover and avid reader, Rachel plans on attending Olivet Nazarene University in the fall of 2009. As valedictorian of her graduating class from Timothy Christian High School in Elmhurst, Illinois, she looks forward to overcoming the challenges in her pursuit of degrees in business and communications. In high school, Rachel was the student newspaper editor and captain of the scholastic bowl team.

Rebecca Schmidt

Carmel, Indiana

Rebecca is the daughter of a Naval Aviator, Marine Corps Officer and U.S. Naval Academy graduate. She graduated as salutatorian of her class at Westfield High School, with a GPA of 4.3. She is a National Merit Scholar, president of the National Honor Society and a four-year varsity letter winner in diving. She will be attending the University of Chicago where she plans to study psychology.

LCDR Chris “Basher” Blaschum was killed in the Med on 2 March 2002, when his F-14 Tomcat's launch bar malfunctioned on launch from USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67). He was a department head in VF-143 at the time and AirLant paddles before that tour. He was regarded as the “Bug Roach” of his generation. He taught numerous LSOs how to wave. He was an amazing paddles, fighter pilot and friend to all.

Lorraine Keeler

Seattle, Washington

Lorraine is the granddaughter of CDR William E. Keeler and will graduate from Garfield High School where she is valedictorian and executive editor of her school newspaper. She is also a National Merit Finalist and three-time gold medalist in the National Latin Exam. In fall 2009, she will attend the University of Pittsburgh's Honors College where she will pursue her interests in environmental studies, journalism and visual arts.

Bryan Lowry

Waynesboro, Pennsylvania

Bryan is the son of CDR Thomas Lowry, a former A-6 Intruder bombardier/navigator. He graduated valedictorian of his class at Waynesboro Area Senior High School and served as vice president of National Honor Society. In addition to membership in two other honor societies and numerous other extracurricular activities, Bryan was a four-year varsity letterman in track. Bryan will attend the University of Maryland, where he will major in mechanical or aerospace engineering.

This scholarship is awarded in the name of Christopher William “C.W.” Gilluly, former Chairman and CEO of Hadron, Inc. From 1967-1976 Dr. Gilluly served as a Navy A-7 Corsair II pilot on two Vietnam combat tours. His wife, Martha “Marny,” has worked on deep-sea research projects with the Naval Research Laboratory and as a computer specialist for the U.S. House of Representatives. The Gilluly's reside in Washington, D.C.

Jacquelyn Walker

Fredericksburg, Texas

Graduating as valedictorian having also earned National Merit Commended Scholar status and the 2006 Texas Student of the Year accolade. President of the National Honor Society and Student Council while earning letters in four varsity sports and working on her private pilot license. Jacquelyn will attend the University of Texas at Austin in the Plan II Honors Program pursuing social entrepreneurship and an advanced degree.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense company headquartered in Los Angeles, Calif. Northrop Grumman provides technologically advanced, innovative products, services and solutions in systems integration, defense electronics, information technology, advanced aircraft, shipbuilding and space technology.

Kathryn Maguire

Rockport, Maine

This award honors the memory of RADM Leonard A. “Swoose” Snead by Pratt & Whitney Military Engines. Snead served in several fleet junior officer billets prior to attending Naval Test Pilot School (NTPS). He progressed through a number of assignments that culminated as head of the Flying Qualities and Performance Branch at NTPS. Immediately thereafter, he assumed command of VA-75, the Navy's first fleet operational A-6A squadron, which deployed to Vietnam the following year. He later commanded Forrestal and was selected for Flag rank in February 1971, and in July was named manager for the F-14 aircraft and systems program. In 1974 he assumed command of Fighter Airborne Early Warning Wing, Pacific, at NAS Miramar. Snead retired in 1976 with 30 years of commissioned service and joined Pratt & Whitney in West Palm Beach, Fla., as manager of Navy programs. He was appointed vice president of Pratt & Whitney in 1983 and retired from the company in 1992.

Aubrey Nickell

Germantown, Tennessee

Aubrey is a graduate of Saint Agnes Academy of Memphis, Tenn. She is the daughter of LCDR and Mrs. Paul Nickell USNR(Ret). Graduating with a 4.7 GPA, Aubrey has been inducted into Mu Alpha Theta, The National French Honor Society, and The National Honor Society. She was the Secretary of the French Club and Commissioner of Publicity in her school's Student Government Association. Aubrey will attend The University of Alabama, where she plans to study abroad in France through their International Honors Program.