2009 Scholarship Winners, Page 3

This award is presented by the men and women of L-3 Communications and D.P. Associates in support of the Tailhook services. L-3 and D.P. Associates are industry leaders in providing training materials and support to U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Fleet Readiness Squadrons and Weapon Schools throughout the United States.

Kelly Hecker

Alexandria, Virginia

Kelly is a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, in Alexandria, Va. She is a National Merit Finalist and a member of the National Honor Society and the Japanese National Honor Society. Her interests are equestrian vaulting and horseback riding. Kelley attends the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, Calif., majoring in computer science.

This award is presented on behalf of the men and women of the Boeing Co., whose combined efforts contribute daily to the effectiveness of Naval Carrier Aviation. Customer service and company products, especially the many aircraft, missiles and integrated systems, support Naval Carrier Aviation as they enhance the effectiveness and the proud traditions of the Tailhook service.

Laura Schaffer

Bristow, Virginia

Laura is in her junior year, fall 2009, at the University of Notre Dame. She is enrolled in a program of Liberal Studies (Great Books) major, as well as a member of the Glynn Family Honors Program. She hopes to teach high school english after graduation and, perhaps, some graduate work. Outside class, she is engaged in a local chapter of an Opus Dei prayer group for women, and is a charter member of the Students for International Development. For her final two years at the university, Laura intends to pursue creative writing and French studies in addition to her regular course work.

A total of 712 F-14s were built at Grumman's factory in Calverton on Long Island from 1969-'91. This scholarship honors all the aircrew that lost their lives in the development and operation of the Tomcat.

Christopher Sherman

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Chris completed his third year at Virginia Tech where he is studying economics and finance. He performs and competes for the university's Division I-A cheerleading team and is a member of the Athletic Director's All-Academic Team. He is the son of Naval Aviator CAPT John W. Sherman, USN(Ret).

This scholarship is awarded in memory of LTJG Sterling G. Gilliam Sr., a native of Franklinton, N.C., who served honorably during World War II in the Pacific theater. Upon completion of his military service, he returned to civilian life in Henderson, N.C. and like so many of his generation, raised a family, shaped a community and helped build this great nation. He strongly supported education in his community until his death in 1972.

Zachary “Zak” Merritt

Jenkintown, Pennsylvania

While a student at Abington Friends School, Zachary served as clerk on the Disciplinary Advisory Council for three years and participated in a variety of community service projects. He is also a licensed scuba diver, martial artist and world traveler. August 2009, Zak will head to Grinnell College in Iowa where he will pursue his interests in constitutional law, history, astronomy and classic languages. His late father, CDR Morgan Merritt, was a Naval Aviator for twenty-nine years, and his grandfather, CAPT Douglas Merritt, was a Naval Submariner during World War II, as well as a private pilot.

This award is made in the name of the Langley Association, the men of which served on one of the most distinguished carriers in WW II. From January 1944 to the end of the war, Langley served in campaigns including the Marshall and Mariana Islands, Guam, the Palaus and the Philippines, Formosa, French Indochina and off the mainland of Japan.

Peter Salmon

Janesville, Iowa

Peter is son of Iowa Army National Guard LTC Walter M. Salmon who is currently serving in Iraq. A sophomore attending Oral Roberts University (ORU) and majoring in Pastoral Christian Ministries. Peter was named an ORU Honors Fellow. He served on the mission field for two months in summer 2008 in Uganda, Africa, preaching at festivals and ministering in community outreaches to schools, hospitals, orphanages and refugee camps.

A leading supplier of defense electronics systems, DRS Technologies, Inc., provides high-technology products and services to the U.S. Navy. DRS has demonstrated for 35 years its agility, technology and focus in responding quickly to customers' needs.

Kelli Luginbuhl

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Kelli attends Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo., majoring in chemical and biological engineering. She intends to graduate with a minor in microbiology with a concentration in biomedical engineering. She hopes to continue on to graduate school, join the Peace Corps and ultimately end up in a career involving genetics or biomedical research.

This scholarship honors all those who have supported carrier aviation through dedicated service in the dangerous and demanding environment of the flight deck.

Christy Orquera

Hyde Park, New York

Christy is a junior in the Professional Communications baccalaureate program at State University of New York in Farmingdale, a member of Golden Key International Honor Society and Public Relations Professionals of Long Island. As a result of two separate internships, Christy writes for Anton Community Newspapers and is the Public Relations Chairperson for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Long Island. Christy was honorably discharged as Radioman Second Class Petty Officer after completing her enlistment on USS Nimitz (CVN-68).

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Corp. developes, builds and supports advanced combat aircraft for the United States and its allies. The company is currently leading the development of the F-35 Lightning II, the next generation stealth strike fighter for the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and several Coalition partners.

John Stuart

Chesapeake, Virginia

A competitive figure skater, John completed his senior year of high school online to be able to train at Iceworks Skating Complex in Aston, Penn. He was previously in the International Baccalaureate Program at Oscar Smith High School. He was a three-time member of the Virginian-Pilot Newspaper's Scholastic Achievement Scholarship and Recognition Program and as a member of the French club, placed third at a local French Concours competition. He was also a National Merit Scholar and plans to attend the Honors Program at the University of Delaware.