The Lyons Aviation Foundation is pleased to present our 2026 scholarship recipients! Amid the many applications that we received this year, the selection committee determined that these recipients demonstrated desire, motivation and determination, in addition to their many achievements, aligned with our foundation’s goal to financially support aspiring young aviators in pursuit of a Private Pilot rating.
Tyler Braitling, 17 — Jeffersonville, IN
Awarded $3,000 scholarship
With more than 40 flight hours and a successful solo flight already completed, Tyler has demonstrated exceptional dedication to aviation at a young age. A top academic performer and Air Force JROTC leader, he plans to pursue the U.S. Air Force Academy and ultimately a career as a professional pilot.
Destiny Watford, 18 — Arlington, TX
Awarded $2,500 scholarship
Destiny is actively working toward her Private Pilot License while balancing rigorous academics and hands-on fundraising to support her training. Her determination, resilience, and commitment to creating opportunities for herself and others reflect her vision of a future in commercial aviation and service.
Miller Watkins, 17 — Conyers, GA
Awarded $1,500 scholarship
Miller’s passion for aviation was sparked through discovery flights and strengthened through participation in the OBAP Academy. A committed student-athlete and community leader, he aims to become a professional pilot while inspiring greater diversity and opportunity within the aviation industry.
Mia Green, 16 — Valparaiso, IN
Awarded $1,500 scholarship
A dedicated Civil Air Patrol cadet and Aerospace Education Officer, Mia combines leadership with a passion for aviation education. With flight training already underway, she is building a strong foundation to pursue a professional aviation career while continuing to serve and mentor others.
Corbin Schleicher, 16 — Mitchell, NE
Awarded $1,500 scholarship
Growing up in a rural community, Corbin understands the critical role aviation plays in connecting and supporting underserved areas. With hands-on airport experience and plans to begin flight training, he is focused on building a future in aviation that emphasizes service, reliability, and community impact.
2026 Scholarship Recipients
The Lyons Aviation Foundation is proud to present the 2026 Scholarship Recipients.
The Lyons Aviation Foundation is pleased to present our 2026 scholarship recipients! Amid the many applications that we received this year, the selection committee determined that these recipients demonstrated desire, motivation and determination, in addition to their many achievements, aligned with our foundation’s goal to financially support aspiring young aviators in pursuit of a Private Pilot rating.
Five aspiring pilots from across the United States were selected:
The Lyons Aviation Foundation Proudly Announces the 2026 Scholarship Recipients
Tyler Braitling, 17 — Jeffersonville, IN
Awarded $3,000 scholarship
With more than 40 flight hours and a successful solo flight already completed, Tyler has demonstrated exceptional dedication to aviation at a young age. A top academic performer and Air Force JROTC leader, he plans to pursue the U.S. Air Force Academy and ultimately a career as a professional pilot.
Destiny Watford, 18 — Arlington, TX
Awarded $2,500 scholarship
Destiny is actively working toward her Private Pilot License while balancing rigorous academics and hands-on fundraising to support her training. Her determination, resilience, and commitment to creating opportunities for herself and others reflect her vision of a future in commercial aviation and service.
Miller Watkins, 17 — Conyers, GA
Awarded $1,500 scholarship
Miller’s passion for aviation was sparked through discovery flights and strengthened through participation in the OBAP Academy. A committed student-athlete and community leader, he aims to become a professional pilot while inspiring greater diversity and opportunity within the aviation industry.
Mia Green, 16 — Valparaiso, IN
Awarded $1,500 scholarship
A dedicated Civil Air Patrol cadet and Aerospace Education Officer, Mia combines leadership with a passion for aviation education. With flight training already underway, she is building a strong foundation to pursue a professional aviation career while continuing to serve and mentor others.
Corbin Schleicher, 16 — Mitchell, NE
Awarded $1,500 scholarship
Growing up in a rural community, Corbin understands the critical role aviation plays in connecting and supporting underserved areas. With hands-on airport experience and plans to begin flight training, he is focused on building a future in aviation that emphasizes service, reliability, and community impact.
The Lyons Aviation Foundation is proud to present our scholarship recipients. The Lyons family has been linked to aviation in one form or another for over 67 years. This foundation is born out of our sense to give back. It’s created through the loving and caring nature instilled in our family by our parents. It’s created to help give opportunity to those that might not otherwise have the means to pursue aviation as a career path. This foundation is about our family story and its ties to aviation, military service, and one another. As a family we have been blessed, and truly believe in helping and giving to others. The Lyons Aviation Foundation’s hope is to inspire, assist, and to provide opportunity. Your donations are appreciated to help achieve these goals.
Click the links above to read their story!