Written by AMA staff (01/2003); Transcribed by JS (02/2008)
Keith R. Barnett, a graduate of Batesville High School in Batesville, Indiana, was awarded a Tom Hutchinson Scholarship in the amount of $500. Keith is enrolled at Vincennes University in Indiana, studying aviation.
Keith is most proud of his participation in the Batesville Eureka Band, reputed to be the oldest volunteer community band in the nation. Formed in the 1890s, the band is made up of roughly 25 members from Batesville and surrounding towns and cities, ranging from high school age through people in their 80s.
Keith plays in his high school band programs as well, playing the tuba, trombone, trumpet, and baritone. An accomplished musician, Keith is involved in the school’s marching band, concert band, jazz band, and pep band, and credits his grandfather for starting him in music. Keith has worked for a janitorial service, cleaning the town’s middle school, and expanded his hours to full time during the summer. He also bales hay in the summer for one of his club’s pilots. Keith has worked at many jobs during the summer. “Even though I didn’t make much money, these jobs have given me good experience working with and for different people,” he wrote.
At age nine, Keith began his aeromodeling career, building Hand Launch and Catapult Gliders. In the intervening years, he has constructed rubber-powered aircraft and a gas model, Starduster X. Other aircraft include a Satellite 226, a Satellite 450, a Patriot, a Zeek, and a Spacerod. Keith won many trophies and awards in Free Flight, including the Bob Larsh Perpetual Trophy two years running.
Keith’s school counselor wrote, “Keith is very determined and motivated to become a pilot. He will do well in any area he chooses to excel.”
From AMA, best of luck, Keith, in your chosen career.
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