19th Annual Aviation Education & Career Expo Awards $196,635 in Scholarships to Young Aviation and Aerospace Enthusiasts 

Cypress, TX – November 20, 2025 – The 19th Annual Aviation Education & Career Expo, hosted by Rider Jet Center, brought together approximately 1,300 aspiring high school and college students ages 16–22, from across the Mid-Atlantic region and the nation. The event provided a dynamic platform for students to engage with more than 65 leading aviation organizations—including universities, airlines, private aviation companies, and representatives from medical, military, and law enforcement agencies. 

Hundreds of students submitted essays for the opportunity to earn prestigious scholarships, flight training awards, and paid internships sponsored by participating organizations. This year’s sponsors collectively awarded $196,635 in scholarships, bringing the Expo’s total scholarship awards to more than $1.8 million since its inception in 2009. 

Julie O’Brien, Director of Business Development for Chantilly Air in Manassas, Virginia, and Expo Co-Founder, reflected on the event’s lasting impact: “The Expo provides a one-day experience that can last a lifetime. We mentor students, expose them to the industry, and give many of them a hand up through scholarships and internships to discover and pursue their passion for the skies. I am thrilled to take this event to new levels through the Paragon Aviation Group Network, Chantilly Air, and our partners at Rider Jet Center.” 

Paragon Aviation Group was proud to support the Expo as a sponsor. Crystal Kubeczka, President of Paragon Aviation Group, attended the event, connecting with students, engaging with aviation professionals, and highlighting the importance of mentorship and career pathways in aviation. “The Aviation Education & Career Expo is an incredible opportunity to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals,” Kubeczka said. “Paragon is proud to support this event and help students explore the many career paths the aviation industry has to offer. Seeing their curiosity and excitement firsthand was truly inspiring.” 

The Expo offers a unique opportunity for students to interact directly with professionals and explore the multitude of career paths within the aviation and aerospace industries. Attendees participated in keynote presentations, live demonstrations, and interactive sessions designed to inspire and inform future leaders in flight. 

Keynote Speakers and Presenters Included: 

• Shannetta Griffin, Maryland Aviation Administration
• Ben Rider, Owner, Rider Jet Center
• Taylor Warren, Potomac Tower Air Traffic Control
• Young Park, First Chime In-Flight Catering (Interview with Vincent Mickens, Private Air Media)
• Carly Hose, Washington County Sheriff’s K-9 Demonstration
• John Hill, Entrepreneur, Business Leader, and Pilot
• Micah “Snoop” Lenox, Former Naval Aviator (F-18 Super Hornet), L39 Demonstrator, Leader, and Philanthropist
  2025 Legacy Scholarship Honorees 

The Expo proudly recognizes the following individuals whose legacies continue to inspire future generations of aviators: 

• Dave Rider – Founder of Rider Jet Center, veteran, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. (Courtesy of Rider Jet Center and South Mountain Aviation)
• LeRoy Homer Jr. – Air Force veteran and First Officer of United Airlines Flight 93, who heroically gave his life on September 11, 2001. (Courtesy of the LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Foundation)
• Jason Emeric Brunsman – Passionate aviator, Civil Air Patrol 2nd Lieutenant, and former Expo scholarship recipient. (Courtesy of Unmanned Safety Institute)
• Yong Sung Park – Inspiration to his sister Young Park, owner of First Chime In-Flight Catering. (Courtesy of First Chime Private Catering)
• Sarah Thompson – Aviation marketing leader and Expo Co-Founder whose vision continues to shape the event. (Courtesy of The Hoxton Agency and Creating Lift Leadership)

2025 Scholarship Recipients 

• Mindstar Aviation – Matthew Kordes
• Avyation Labs – Keith Winfield, Ekaterina Alexeevna Zubareva
• Aero Elite Flight Training – Mara Remsen
• Advanced Aviation Concepts – Edwin Cifuentes Macario
• LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Foundation Legacy Award – Harrison Roberts
• Winchester Regional Aviation Foundation – Tyler Rearick
• Airline Pilots Association International – Leila Hamza
• AOPA – Patrick Eichelberger
• Paragon Aviation Detailing – Calvin Volker
• Rider Jet Center & South Mountain Aviation – Leydy Perez Ramirez
• The Hoxton Agency & Lift Leadership – Jack Reinbold
• Greater Washington Business Aviation Association (GWBAA) – Meron Nigusie
• First Chime In-Flight Catering & Private Dining – Alexander Schraven
• Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics – Nathaniel Bender
• Capitol Technology University – Keith Winfield
• The Unmanned Safety Institute – Taven LeMaster
• Averett University – Kobe Kerns
• Marywood University – Courtney Carter
• Vaughn College of Aeronautics & Technology – Inara Young
• Saint Francis University – Dominic Browning, Jason Joy, Ekaterina Alexeevna Zubareva, Meron Nigusie
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Jackson Niva, Dleanna Hoosein, William Fadden 

In addition to scholarships, internships were awarded courtesy of Chantilly Air, First Chime In-Flight Catering, Sierra Nevada Corporation, and South Mountain Aviation. 

A special thank you to Toth Financial, First Chime In-Flight Catering, Little Caesars, Bonnie Blue, The Grille at Runways, Costco, and Harris Teeter for generously providing meals for attendees and staff throughout the event.

About the Aviation Education & Career Expo 

The Aviation Education & Career Expo is one of the nation’s premier aviation education events, founded in 2005 by aviation professionals Julie O’Brien and Sarah Thompson. Dedicated to inspiring and equipping the next generation of aviation and aerospace leaders. 

For more information, visit www.paragonaviationgroup.com and click on “Aviation Expo” for a full list of sponsors and participants.