November is National Scholarship Month! Throughout the month, we’re highlighting local students and the opportunities made possible through scholarship support.
With his sights set on the skies, Tyler Koons is making steady progress toward becoming a pilot. A 2025 graduate of Montabella Community Schools, Tyler is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Flight Science through Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation. Now in his second year, he is nearing completion of his Private Pilot Course, working toward earning his license.
While people might assume that flying a plane is the hardest part of pilot training, Tyler says the extensive studying required to prepare for the oral check examination is particularly demanding. Despite the academic challenge, he earned a place on the Dean’s List his freshman year. He credits the friends he has made at WMU with helping him grow as a student and young adult, as they support one another through the challenges of college.
Tyler was awarded the Stanley & Blanche Ash Educational Scholarship and the Darwin & Ethelda Van Houten Scholarship, renewable scholarships that have made a meaningful difference in furthering his education. We look forward to seeing all he accomplishes as he continues pursuing his aviation goals.
