2023 Scholarship Winners

Hope Lea, ND2L 

I am Hope Lea, ND2L from Palm Coast, Florida. I cannot tell you how grateful I am for your sponsorship! I was overwhelmed these past several days with getting ahead in my coursework before I leave for the missions described below. Knowing that someone has taken the effort to support my goals has given me the motivation I needed to succeed. You have lifted a burden and have encouraged me to keep the missions going. For that, I thank you far more than these words express.

There are several missions. Of course, my education is one of these long missions. I began my bachelors program taking classes in-person at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida. Today, I am one step closer to earning my electrical engineering degree with a minor in physics from ERAU. Eventually I plan to continue my studies at medical school and become a doctor.

One of the shorter missions, Project PoSSUM, begins in late September. PoSSUM stands for Polar Suborbital Science in the Upper Mesosphere, and it is by the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences. I am enrolled in their Fundamentals of Astronautics program, which will train me how to work in zero-g and high-g, how to perform remote sensing research, how to work in a spacesuit, and more skills required to become an astronaut. I am very excited about this, as it will train me the basic skills required to be an astronaut one day and will give me the chance to prove my capabilities to the space community.

Another mission is a “return to Mars.” Last year I was chosen to be on a team of seven international students to live for a week at the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah. There, we lived in a sealed habitat and went outside only in EVA suits, simulating a mission to the surface of Mars. This year, we are returning to MDRS in October to perform individual Mars-related research, which may be published. I built the first amateur radio station “on Mars” and left it on site last year, so I will be continuing to utilize it. Additionally, as Crew Researcher/Communications Officer, my research naturally relates to radio. I am building a remote weather station with a mesh network, which will bring the data to a log at the lab. “Watched the sunset from the Martian surface…” One day, when I achieve my dream of becoming an astronaut, this may be one of my mission logs. While the journey to Mars may take only a few months in a rocket, my journey as a student has already begun.

A great deal of studying is in my future, but I love to learn and love science! This was of course encouraged by my involvement in amateur radio. I live in Palm Coast, Florida, with my family, who are all hams. The six of us have had fun in ham radio since I got my license at eight years old! From the first day I had my license and made my first contact over a satellite, I fell in love with space! I became highly involved in satellites and continue to enjoy them today. I also love contesting; building antennas and go boxes; and DXing, including becoming the DX! I went on to earn my Extra class at nine years old, and I continue to engage in operating events with the ERAU Amateur Radio Club on campus. With the ERAU ARC, I have a mission to bring an ARISS contact to local middle schoolers and to encourage the next generation of hams and STEM students. There are so many missions – so many steps left to take, and I am so excited to see where my journey will lead!

Gary Pike, KA4KBX

My name is Gary Pike, KA4KBX and I currently reside in Roanoke, AL. I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for being selected as a recipient of the scholarship from the 10-10 Scholarship Foundation. As a non-traditional student at Auburn University, I am pursuing a degree in Electronics and Cybersecurity Engineering with a particular focus on researching methods to prevent infrastructure attacks, primarily by utilizing electronic and radio frequency side channel attacks and their countermeasures.

My journey into the world of amateur radio began during my pre-teen years when I was mentored by a neighbor. Since then, I have been an active amateur radio operator, Throughout my life, I have dedicated my time to volunteer work, particularly in public service events, alongside my local radio club. My volunteer roles have included supporting bike rides, participating in search and rescue missions, contributing to Skywarn activities, and engaging with organizations such as ARES, MRC, CERT, and more recently, facilitating online testing for ham radio license exams.

My commitment to the amateur radio community extends to my family as well. I am proud to share that my wife and three sons are all Extra Class operators, and together, we find joy in volunteering as a family. We also eagerly attend several Hamfests each year, including the Dayton Hamvention, where we actively participate as volunteers. Additionally, we are active members of multiple area clubs and engage in various club activities, contests, and field days as a united team.

One of my most significant contributions to the amateur radio community has been through proctoring exams for amateur radio licenses. I have proctored over twenty thousand exams. This includes proctoring exams not only in person but also online. My involvement in this capacity has allowed me to interact with well over twenty thousand applicants throughout the years. I have had the privilege of working with various organizations, including Laurel VEC, W5YI, Anchorage, CaVec, and others, to facilitate these exams.

In addition to my commitment to licensing exams, I have a deep passion for contesting, Field Days, and any opportunity to connect with fellow hams worldwide over the airwaves. However, what resonates with me most is the act of giving back to the ham radio community, whether through volunteering or mentoring. I derive immense satisfaction from contributing to this vibrant and welcoming community.

Once again, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the 10-10 Scholarship Foundation for this scholarship opportunity. It will undoubtedly provide valuable support as I continue my educational journey and research endeavors in the field of Electronics and Cybersecurity engineering.

Patrick Pike, KJ4AXD

My name is Patrick Pike, KJ4AXD from Roanoke, Alabama and I would like to start by thanking you for the 10-10 scholarship award that you gave me.  I wish I could tell you how happy I was when I found out that I won the scholarship; let’s just say I was excited. I was also fortunate to be a recipient of a 10-10 Scholarship in 2018.

I am embarking on my junior year at Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business as I pursue a degree in Business Management. My educational journey commenced at Southern Union State Community College, a decision I'm genuinely grateful for. This initial path has provided me with a strong foundation, enhancing my readiness for Auburn. I also completed a Bachelor Degree in Ecological Engineering at Auburn. I am considering continuing with my education toward a Masters and Doctorate.

During my time at Auburn University, I've been excited to continue my exploration of ham radio, which has been a significant part of my life. Auburn boasts a vibrant radio club, and I am concurrently pursuing a minor in electronics, which I believe will complement my academic pursuits. I have been the President of the American Society of Agriculture and Business Engineers and participated in the Engineers Council.

I am also working at Mohawk Industries as a Tie In Operator to get a feel of the company and hope to move up in the company in the business side or engineering side

My journey in ham radio began at the young age of ten when I earned my technician license, swiftly advancing to achieve Extra class within a year. I find great enjoyment in activities such as Field Day, HF, and 6 meters. I come from a big ham family. My dad is Gary, KA4KBX, mom is Anna KD4PCU and my brother Collin is KJ4AXB.

Additionally, I have a strong commitment to volunteer work, including contributing to the success of events like Dayton Hamvention, collaborating with individuals like Mike Buehler, and actively engaging in local initiatives with the Rotary Club, my church, SGA, and the local ham radio club. I am also proud to be an Eagle Scout.

I am eagerly looking forward to the academic and radio-related adventures that lie ahead during the remainder of my college years and beyond. Thank you again for the generous funding.