Written by AMA staff (03/2006); Transcribed by JS (02/2008), Reformatted by JS (10/2009)
Steven Vande Lune was the 2005 class valedictorian at Kokomo High School in Kokomo, Indiana, and received a $7,250 Charles Hampson Grant award. The son of Douglas and Mary Vande Lune, Steven’s plans are to attend Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Indiana, and major in mechanical engineering with an emphasis in aeronautics. Steven has been interested in aeromodeling since he was a young boy. Beginning with simple stick-and-tissue models, his interest intensified when he became involved in the Science Olympiad’s Wright Stuff competition in seventh and eighth grade. He experimented with several modifications of Midwest’s Right Flyer and in his freshman year of high school built a wind tunnel to test various airfoil shapes for his science fair project.
With a used Hobby Lobby Telemaster as a trainer, Steven became involved in Radio Control, joined the Kokomo Blue Angles, and became a member of AMA. In the five years since, Steven’s hangar has grown to include a GWS Pico Cub and Mustang, and a Sig Four Star 40 and Fazer, all of which are kit built. A newer purchase has been the indoor electric micro helicopter. As an active member of the Kokomo Blue Angels, Steven participates in the club’s annual mall show and fly-in, helping to set up and tear down the equipment and gear. He also assisted his former science teacher with an after-school flight program called the Middle School Flight Lab where he set up several Radio Control aircraft and aided with instruction. Steven is a member of the National Honor Society, a K-Club Varsity letterman, and a member of the Spanish club. He was on the varsity swim team throughout high school, was the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association’s state top 16 and an Indiana High School Athletic Association state finalist.
He was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Grace United Methodist youth Group, the Oakbrook Student Ministries, and the Children of the American Revolution. Some of his other activities have included planting trees and other community beautification projects. He has worked as a lifeguard summers for the Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department and is a United States Soccer Federation-certified referee. Steven has worked in that capacity in various community programs since he was 12 years old.
“While in college, I plan to stay active in modeling,” Steven wrote. “I have already found that there are two Radio Control clubs nearby.”
AMA wishes you well, Steven, and congratulations!
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