Written by AMA staff (02/2008); Transcribed by JS (02/2008), Updated by JS (07/2008)
Nathan Bush of Milan, Illinois, is the recipient of a $6,000 Charles Hampson Grant Scholarship. The son of Steve and Julie Bush, Nathan has a great deal of aviation experience. Graduating with academic honors from Allemandes Catholic High School, Nathan made the Honor Roll, Principal’s List, and was a member of the National Honor Society. He ran track and cross-country, receiving a Most Improved Award and serving a year as team captain. Leadership is a strong quality of Nathan’s. He was president, vice president, and secretary of the Rockridge Royals 4-H Club. He was student ambassador for his high school, table leader for his junior retreat, and core leader for the Saint Maria Goretti Youth Group.
Nathan has a wide range of community involvement. He actively participated in several organizations for teens and religion including the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Teens Encounter Christ, Walk on Water Youth Ministries, and Vacation Bible School. He has received numerous awards, been a peer justice juror, participated in food drives and Habitat for Humanity, and was altar server at Saint Maria Goretti Church.
In addition to his after-school activities, Nathan has worked at various jobs. He has been a snowboard instructor and landscaper.
Nathan is a member of his local Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) chapter and through this was an intern and camp counselor. He was one of only two interns selected from nationwide applicants. While working with the EAA, Nathan received flight and ground school training. Nathan’s grandfather, a World War II pilot, was the inspiration for his love of model aviation. “Flying is in my blood,” Nathan wrote. “My grandfather taught me to make my first – rather complicated – paper airplane.”
Purchased at age 10, Nathan’s first airplane was a kit rubber-band-powered Super Cub. He has since built numerous models of all types.
In honor of his grandfather, Nathan converted a Free Flight P-51 Mustang into a Radio Control model as a 4-H project. The Mustang was so well built and detailed that it won a Superior rating and Best of Show at the county and state levels. Placed on display at the Illinois state capital, the model was a tribute to the “Best of the Best.”
In November of 2005, Nathan soloed in full-scale flight. On June 28, 2006, at the age of 17, he earned his Private Pilot’s License. Keeping with this passion, Nathan will be attending the University of North Dakota studying commercial aviation.
“AMA and model airplanes have helped make me who I am,” Nathan wrote, “and have deepened my knowledge of flight, inspired my passion for aviation, taught me to be a safe pilot, and inspired my dream to pursue a career in commercial aviation.”
Congratulations, Nathan! AMA wishes you the best of luck at the University of North Dakota.
Nathaniel Bush
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