C/2Lt Evan Ekstrand, Cadet Commander, St Croix Composite Squadron
On June 17th 2019 the AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association) awarded $1 million in scholarships for high school students and teachers. Evan Ekstrand of North St Paul, who is a member of the St Croix Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol and a Junior at Stillwater Area High school, was the sole Minnesota High school recipient of a $10,000 flight scholarship. This scholarship is used for direct flight training costs associated with gaining a private pilot’s license.
Evan had already begun his flight training as an active member, and Cadet Commander in the Civil Air Patrol and this scholarship will help him continue to peruse his dream of becoming a pilot for Delta Airlines.
Only 80 high school students were award this scholarship in the entire country out of thousands who had applied. This is a great honor for Cadet Ekstrand and shows the skills and qualities the Civil Air Patrol teaches in its cadet program.