Page 11 - Aerotech News and Review, April 7, 2017

Three seniors will be
awarded a $2,500
LACAS scholarship
VIRGIN, from 10
is that our test program is not a stair-step kind of thing where we expand the envelope up to the powered flight,” he said. “It’s much more integrated where we may have portions of the flight envelope that we want to prove opera- tionally but we don’t have to do that prior to the initial powered flights.”
Stucky added that he felt very fortunate to be a part of the Virgin Galactic SS2 team. “I used to think I was born a generation too late because I flew for NASA with these great test pilots who had done all this major stuff a generation ago,” he said, “but I don’t feel that way anymore, I feel lucky to be where I am.”
Although, the Virgin Galactic’s primary goal is to develop a reliable, reusable, and affordable suborbital commercial space tourism system, Stucky admitted that the $200,000 cost for a ticket was not for every- one. “If you look at the price of the ticket, it may be out of reach for most people, but in today’s dollars it’s on par with the initial first class transatlantic tickets back in the 1930s,” he said. “The point is that you have to start somewhere to open it up to the masses and eventually the price will come down through competition.”
To Mackay, who grew up in Scotland dur- ing the 1960s and closely followed news of the X-15, Mercury, and Apollo space mis- sions, his job is a dream come true. “I wanted to become an astronaut, so SS2 is a truly fan- tastic project to be involved in,” he said.
by Linda KC Reynolds
staff writer
Three outstanding local seniors will be awarded a $2,500 scholarship upon graduating high school, courtesy of the Los Angeles County Air Show.
The recipients who are pursuing higher edu- cation in the areas of science, technology, engi- neering and math are: Emma Neal of Lancaster High School, who is an athlete, pianist and former NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center engi- neering intern; Isabel Vanderzee of Quartz Hill High School, who is a mathlete, musician and president of their yearbook; and Ricardo Guz- man of Palmdale High School, who is president of the high school’s Skills USA Chapter, Falcon Engineers Club and part of the Solar Race Team.
“Our committee was inspired and amazed by the determination and drive of our incredible scholarship winners and all the 33 scholarship ap- plicants — these students go above and beyond in their education and in their community,” said Los Angeles County Air Show president Ronda Perez. “We are incredibly proud of how well they represent our valley.”
Neal said she was inspired at a young age by her father who is an engineer for NASA Arm- strong Flight Research Center at Edwards, Calif. “My dad taught me math principles early on and I love math and science.” She has interned for NASA and plans to attend Cal Poly upon gradu- ation. Her goal is to someday work for NASA as an electrical engineer.
“Al Bowers (NASA Chief Scientist) has been a great mentor — he is so kind and wonderful. This summer Dave Burger will be my mentor — I’m so excited!”
Neal also enjoys volleyball, which she has played since 6th grade and has been swimming for four years on the varsity team. “I’ve always had great support from my parents and they were never afraid to challenge me.” She is also a music lover, sings and plays the oboe.
“I’m so proud of these three students,” said Da- vid Vierra, chairman of the Los Angeles County Air Show Scholarship Committee. “Their high school accomplishments are evidence of their hard work in preparing them for their college STEM education. They have a bright future and are very deserving of this scholarship.” Vierra also serves as director for the air show.
Courtesy photograph
Emma Neal of Lancaster High School is one of three recipients who will receive a $2,500 scholarship from the Los Angeles County Air Show scholarship committee upon graduating from high school. Emma was accepted to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and hopes to someday work for NASA as an electrical engineer.
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