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Los Angeles County Air Show

Scholarship Awards

Scholarship Awards

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The Los Angeles County Air Show awards scholarships to three exceptional local High School seniors

LOS ANGELES, CA (February 15, 2018) – Three local high school seniors will receive a $2,500 college scholarship for their remarkable efforts in pursuit of a higher education in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM), and Aerospace.

Angela Zhang of Quartz Hill High School — senior class president, founder and president of Society of Women Engineers, president of the American Cancer Society club on campus, tennis player, treasurer of the Support Our Troops organization, AV Hospital volunteer.

Anna Marie Pedersen of Quartz Hill High School — president of the National Honor Society, outdoor science school counselor, Tech Trek Junior Counselor, AVUHSD STEM Expo First Place Winner for Reverse Engineering, Eat Lunch Serve Lunch volunteer.

Danielle Adili of Palmdale High School — F.A.S.T. Academy of Sustainable Technologies leader, SkillsUSA and Falcon Elite Drone Squadron Club officer, president of the Falcon Engineers Club, Solar Car Race Team CEO, Drone Club member, Salute to Youth and College Information Night volunteer.

“Each year the scholarship applicants remind us of the incredible talent of our students in the Antelope Valley, and this year was no exception. All of the applicants proved to be among the top in their class, and our winners stood out for their tenacity and commitment to STEM education and their community. We are proud to honor them by supporting their pursuit of higher education,” said Los Angeles County Air Show President Ronda Perez.

Nineteen high school seniors competed for a chance at one of three $2,500 college scholarships. The criteria required that the student be enrolling in college this fall for the first time and pursuing higher education in STEM. The Los Angeles County Air Show provides scholarships as a way to underscore its dedication to promoting the importance of aviation for continued economic growth and supporting STEM education.

The theme of this year’s Show, “First, Fastest and Farthest!” will celebrate the Antelope Valley’s long history of aeronautical contributions, including the celebration of Lockheed Martin’s Skunkworks Program’s 75th year. Once again, the Los Angeles County Air Show is poised to be one of the biggest and best Air Shows, with an impressive line-up of performers and exhibitions.

The Show will feature the Air Combat Command USAF F/A 22 Raptor Demo Team, USMC MV-22 Osprey, Lockheed T-33 Ace Maker, the Red Bull Swoopers and the Red Bull Aerobatic Helicopter, Kent Pietsch in Jelly Belly’s Interstate Cadet, Bill Stein in the state-of-the-art Zivko Edge 540, Chuck Coleman in his Extra 300, Kirby Chambliss with Red Bull Team Chambliss, Jim Peitz Aerosports in his aerobatic F33C Bonanza, Anthony Oshinuga in the Pitts Special S-1, Jerry Conley with his WWII British jet fighter de Havilland Vampire Jet Display, the Patriots Parachute Team, and more.

In addition to the aerials, the Los Angeles County Air Show is home to an impressive interactive STEM exhibition, extensive static airplane displays, Aeronautical Historical Panel featuring iconic pilots from around the globe.

General admission gates open at 9 a.m. on both Saturday, March 24 and Sunday, March 25, 2018 at General William J. Fox Airfield in Lancaster. Performances are from approximately noon to 3:30 p.m. each day of the two-day show.

For more information on the Los Angeles County Air Show, STEM expo and presale tickets, please visit www.lacountyairshow.com. Follow the Los Angeles County Air Show on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates and announcements.

About the Scholarship Program

The Los Angeles County Air Show Scholarship Program was established to support the next generation of innovators in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Aerospace. By providing financial assistance to outstanding local high school seniors, the Air Show reinforces its commitment to education and workforce development in the Antelope Valley—a region with a rich heritage of aviation and aerospace achievement.

Each year, the program awards multiple scholarships to deserving students who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, and a passion for STEM fields. The scholarships are funded through the generosity of sponsors, exhibitors, and community partners who share the Air Show's vision of inspiring young minds and building a skilled workforce for the future.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

To be considered for a Los Angeles County Air Show Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a graduating high school senior from a school within Los Angeles County.
  • Plan to enroll full-time at an accredited college or university in the fall immediately following graduation.
  • Pursue a major or course of study in a STEM or aerospace-related field.
  • Demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, and involvement in extracurricular activities.
  • Submit a complete application, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay describing their interest in STEM and future goals.

Application deadlines and specific submission instructions are announced each fall on the Air Show's website and through local school districts. Interested students are encouraged to review the requirements carefully and prepare their materials well in advance.

The Selection Process

A panel of educators, industry professionals, and community leaders reviews all applications and selects the scholarship recipients. The committee evaluates each candidate based on academic performance, demonstrated commitment to STEM, leadership qualities, and the strength of their personal statement. The goal is to identify students who not only excel in the classroom but also show promise as future contributors to the region's aerospace and technology sectors.

In 2018, nineteen outstanding seniors competed for three $2,500 scholarships. The winners—Angela Zhang, Anna Marie Pedersen, and Danielle Adili—stood out for their tenacity, community involvement, and dedication to STEM. The Air Show congratulates all applicants for their achievements and wishes them success in their future endeavors.

Impact and Future Goals

The scholarship program is just one way the Los Angeles County Air Show invests in the community. By highlighting local talent and supporting higher education, the Air Show aims to inspire younger students to pursue careers in STEM and aerospace. Feedback from past recipients underscores the importance of this support, as many have gone on to successful college careers and internships in engineering, computer science, and aviation.

As the program grows, the Air Show hopes to increase both the number and amount of scholarships awarded each year. Community support—through ticket purchases, sponsorships, and donations—directly contributes to the scholarship fund. For more information on how to get involved, please visit the Scholarships page or contact the Air Show office.