“Fourteen outstanding individuals have been chosen to receive the Museum’s 2025 scholarships from a pool of 741 highly competitive applications from 33 states,” said Col Brandon Casey, USAF (Ret), the Museum’s Scholarship Selection Task Force Chair. “Each awardee demonstrated exceptional achievements, unwavering dedication, and a profound passion for aviation.”
“Our scholarship awardees are rising stars in aviation whose passion and potential represent a bright future for the industry,” said Museum CEO John Hiltz, a former U.S. Navy Blue Angels aviator. “Thanks to our generous donors, these scholarships celebrate not just achievement, but also empower a new generation ready to take flight across America.”
During the ceremony, the heartfelt gratitude expressed by this year’s recipients inspired Rick and Teresa Price to announce a $100,000 matching gift challenge. This generous commitment has the power to transform lives. All are encouraged to visit bit.ly/PHAMeducation to learn more of about the Museum’s extensive educational programs, or visit bit.ly/FLOCscholarship to make a direct donation to the For Love of Country Scholarship Fund to help fulfill this matching gift challenge. The For Love of Country Endowment was established in 2021, funded with $1 million by the Rick & Teresa Price Family as a condition in the sale of a division of their Hawaii based company to Oil Changers, Inc. in January 2020. Their inspired philanthropy will fund Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum educational efforts and support scholarship awards to individuals committed to a career in aviation long into the future.
“We are so thankful to the Price family and all our endowment donors for their powerful commitment and leadership that has positively changed many lives. The establishment of all our scholarship endowments ensures that the impact will continue in perpetuity, changing many more lives going forward,” said Hiltz.
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum’s 2025 scholarship awardees include:
FOR LOVE OF COUNTRY SCHOLARSHIP:
Part of the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum Educational Endowment, which funds Museum educational efforts and awards scholarships to individuals committed to a career in aviation.
- Malina Mossman | $10,000 | Maui, Hawaii
- Connor Runkle | $8,500 | Daytona Beach, Florida
- Harley Lenart | $8,500 | Chapel Hill, Tennessee
- Alanah Pluchos | $6,500 | Port Orange, Florida
- Patsuqua Xiong| $6,500 | Morganton, North Carolina
- Sienna Rose | $5,500 | Pagosa Springs, Colorado
- Heather Smith | $5,500 | Honolulu, Hawaii
- Anthony Joseph Panganiban | $5,500 | Mililani, Hawaii
- Makayla Galler | $5,500 | Northglenn, Colorado
COL. ROBERT P. MOORE SCHOLARSHIP:
Helps Hawaii residents acquire their initial FAA aircraft pilot certificate and Hawaii-based FAA Commercial Pilots get their initial or additional FAA Certified Flight Instructor certificate.
- Aracely Bianca Vasquez |$4,000 Honolulu, Hawaii
- Iyanu Bajomo| $2,000. |Prescott, Arizona
BRIG GEN ROBERT B. AND JUDITH MAGUIRE SCHOLARSHIP:
Helps deserving students pursue their dreams of flight.
- Tyler Moote | $2,000 Kailua, Hawaii
FRANK DER YUEN AVIATION SCHOLARSHIP:
For Hawaii residents who have been accepted, or are enrolled, in an aviation-related program at an accredited trade school, college, or university.
- Michelle Joann | $5,000 | Kailua, Hawaii
ADMIRAL RONALD J. HAYS SCHOLARSHIP:
For young people who demonstrate the qualities of leadership, patriotism and service to their community.
- Caitlin Thomas | $2,000 | Mililani, Hawaii
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum extends its deepest thanks to all this year’s scholarship donors for their generosity, to our scholarship committee for their dedication. “Our warmest congratulations to the 2025 recipients,” said Col. Casey. “We wish them every success and hope they’ll continue to inspire others as future leaders in aviation.”
To learn more about Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum’s scholarship program and this year’s recipients, visit bit.ly/2025PHAMScholarships.
About Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is more than a museum—it’s a place where history, innovation, and inspiration come together. Located on Historic Ford Island, the site of the December 7, 1941 attack, the Museum stands on America’s World War II aviation battlefield. Visitors can walk through bullet-scarred hangars, see legendary aircraft like the Japanese Zero and B-17 Swamp Ghost, and hear the powerful stories of the heroes who changed the course of history. Beyond preserving the past, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is committed to shaping the future. Through youth programs, scholarships, and workforce development initiatives, the Museum educates and empowers the next generation. From signature events like PHAMily Fun Day to hands-on STEM experiences, flight simulators and more, the Museum connects people of all ages with the wonder of flight and the importance of history. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Museum relies on donations, volunteers, and members to fulfill its mission: to steward America’s WWII aviation battlefield and inspire future generations through education and remembrance. Join us, support our work, or plan your visit at PearlHarborAviationMuseum.org.
SOURCE Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
