
Hobbies and interests
Art
Aerospace
Athletic Training
Aviation
Church
Softball
Reading
Reading
Action
Adventure
Fantasy
I read books multiple times per week
Yianna Durkee
2,685
Bold Points1x
Finalist
Yianna Durkee
2,685
Bold Points1x
FinalistBio
My main plan is to finish school and find a stable job that keeps me on my toes and allows me to continue to learn. My faith and athletics have always been important, but I always put school and family first. As a child of a U.S. Army Veteran I plan to follow in his footsteps and join the military at some time and serve my country.
Education
Midland High School
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Majors of interest:
- Engineering Mechanics
Test scores:
22
ACT
Career
Dream career field:
Mechanical or Industrial Engineering
Dream career goals:
Aeronautical Mechanical Engineer
Teacher
Midland High School2024 – 20251 year
Sports
Softball
Varsity2022 – Present3 years
Awards
- Letter
Research
Military Technologies and Applied Sciences, Other
Midland High School — Student2023 – 2024
Arts
Easy Peasy Homeschooling
Ceramics2020 – 2022
Public services
Volunteering
Church Youth Group — Worker2022 – PresentVolunteering
Beta — Worker2022 – 2023Volunteering
Key Club — Worker2023 – 2024
Future Interests
Volunteering
Entrepreneurship
A Man Helping Women Helping Women Scholarship
From a young age, I have been captivated by flight. The sight of airplanes soaring through the sky sparked a deep curiosity in me, leading to countless hours spent studying aviation, building model aircraft, and dreaming of one day contributing to the field of aeronautical engineering. That passion, combined with my strong desire to serve my country, has driven me to pursue a degree in aeronautical engineering through the United States Air Force Academy.
Aeronautical engineering is not just a field of study for me; it is the perfect blend of science, technology, and innovation that fuels my enthusiasm for problem-solving and discovery. The complexity of aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and aircraft design excites me because it presents endless challenges that require creative and analytical thinking. Studying this field will allow me to play a role in advancing aviation technology, making aircraft safer, more efficient, and capable of meeting the demands of the modern world.
Beyond the technical aspects, my passion for aeronautical engineering is deeply tied to my admiration for the Air Force and its mission. The opportunity to develop cutting-edge aircraft and contribute to national defense is both an honor and a responsibility I take seriously. As an Air Force Academy cadet, I will be immersed in an environment that fosters leadership, discipline, and teamwork, all of which are essential traits for an engineer working in the high-stakes field of aviation and defense technology.
One of the aspects that excites me most about pursuing aeronautical engineering at the Air Force Academy is the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning experiences. The academy provides access to state-of-the-art laboratories, wind tunnels, and flight simulators, allowing cadets to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world applications. This immersive learning approach aligns perfectly with my passion for understanding the mechanics of flight and my desire to innovate within the field.
Additionally, the Air Force Academy’s emphasis on service and leadership resonates deeply with me. I believe that engineering should not exist in isolation—it should be used to make a tangible impact on society. By pursuing aeronautical engineering in a military setting, I will have the chance to apply my skills in a way that benefits not only my country but also the global aerospace community. Whether it’s improving aircraft performance, developing next-generation fighter jets, or contributing to space exploration, I want to be at the forefront of engineering advancements that shape the future of aviation.
My journey to this point has been fueled by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a commitment to pushing boundaries. Throughout high school, I took advanced coursework in mathematics and physics to build a strong foundation for my engineering studies. I also sought out extracurricular opportunities such as robotics clubs, aerospace competitions, and internship experiences to gain practical exposure to engineering concepts. These experiences have reinforced my belief that aeronautical engineering is the path I am meant to follow.
Looking ahead, I am eager to take on the rigorous academic challenges that come with studying aeronautical engineering at the Air Force Academy. I know that this path will require dedication, resilience, and perseverance, but I am ready to embrace the challenge. The opportunity to merge my passion for aviation with my commitment to serving my country is what drives me every day.
Julie Adams Memorial Scholarship – Women in STEM
From a young age, I have been captivated by flight. The sight of airplanes soaring through the sky sparked a deep curiosity in me, leading to countless hours spent studying aviation, building model aircraft, and dreaming of one day contributing to the field of aeronautical engineering. That passion, combined with my strong desire to serve my country, has driven me to pursue a degree in aeronautical engineering through the United States Air Force Academy.
Aeronautical engineering is not just a field of study for me; it is the perfect blend of science, technology, and innovation that fuels my enthusiasm for problem-solving and discovery. The complexity of aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and aircraft design excites me because it presents endless challenges that require creative and analytical thinking. Studying this field will allow me to play a role in advancing aviation technology, making aircraft safer, more efficient, and capable of meeting the demands of the modern world.
Beyond the technical aspects, my passion for aeronautical engineering is deeply tied to my admiration for the Air Force and its mission. The opportunity to develop cutting-edge aircraft and contribute to national defense is both an honor and a responsibility I take seriously. As an Air Force Academy cadet, I will be immersed in an environment that fosters leadership, discipline, and teamwork, all of which are essential traits for an engineer working in the high-stakes field of aviation and defense technology.
One of the aspects that excites me most about pursuing aeronautical engineering at the Air Force Academy is the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning experiences. The academy provides access to state-of-the-art laboratories, wind tunnels, and flight simulators, allowing cadets to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world applications. This immersive learning approach aligns perfectly with my passion for understanding the mechanics of flight and my desire to innovate within the field.
Additionally, the Air Force Academy’s emphasis on service and leadership resonates deeply with me. I believe that engineering should not exist in isolation—it should be used to make a tangible impact on society. By pursuing aeronautical engineering in a military setting, I will have the chance to apply my skills in a way that benefits not only my country but also the global aerospace community. Whether it’s improving aircraft performance, developing next-generation fighter jets, or contributing to space exploration, I want to be at the forefront of engineering advancements that shape the future of aviation.
My journey to this point has been fueled by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a commitment to pushing boundaries. Throughout high school, I took advanced coursework in mathematics and physics to build a strong foundation for my engineering studies. I also sought out extracurricular opportunities such as robotics clubs, aerospace competitions, and internship experiences to gain practical exposure to engineering concepts. These experiences have reinforced my belief that aeronautical engineering is the path I am meant to follow.
Looking ahead, I am eager to take on the rigorous academic challenges that come with studying aeronautical engineering at the Air Force Academy. I know that this path will require dedication, resilience, and perseverance, but I am ready to embrace the challenge. The opportunity to merge my passion for aviation with my commitment to serving my country is what drives me every day.
In conclusion, my passion for aeronautical engineering stems from a lifelong fascination with flight, a desire to innovate within the field, and a commitment to serving in the United States Air Force. By pursuing this degree through the Air Force Academy, I will gain the technical expertise, leadership skills, and hands-on experience needed to make a meaningful impact in the world of aviation. I am excited for the journey ahead and look forward to contributing to the future of aerospace engineering.
Chi Changemaker Scholarship
In my community, a lot of kids are struggling with reading and math, which makes it harder for them to succeed in school down the road. Knowing how important early education is, I decided to start volunteering at my local elementary school's after-school childcare program. My goal is to give extra help to students who need it, making sure they have the skills and confidence to do well in school.
I was motivated to address this issue after noticing the growing number of students who were struggling to keep up with their peers. Conversations with teachers and parents highlighted the need for additional support outside regular school hours. I knew that with my academic strengths but also the understanding of growing bored with being forced to sit through hours of learning that is often not in a form you understand, I could make a difference in these children's lives. Education is a powerful tool, and I believe that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed regardless of their starting point.
Since I began tutoring, I have seen significant progress in many students. Through one-on-one sessions and small group activities, I have helped reinforce fundamental concepts in reading and math. I use engaging, interactive methods to make learning fun, such as educational games, storytelling exercises, and hands-on math problems. Many students have shown increased confidence, improved test scores, and a newfound enthusiasm for learning. Seeing their growth has been incredibly rewarding and has reaffirmed my commitment to this cause.
Looking ahead, I hope to expand my efforts by recruiting more volunteers and working with school administrators to create a more structured tutoring program. I also plan to reach out to local businesses and organizations for resources, such as books, learning materials, and potential funding for after-school programs. By strengthening this initiative, I can ensure that more students receive the help they need to thrive academically and develop a lifelong love of learning.
RJ Memorial Scholarship
Moving from Oregon to Arkansas right before my sophomore year of high school had to be the largest challenge of my faith. At the time, it felt like my entire world was being flipped upside down, leaving lifelong friends, familiar routines, and the amazing environment I had grown to love for a completely different one. The culture, climate, and even the pace of everyday life were extremely different, causing me to struggle early on.
Walking into a new high school as a tenth grader was intimidating. Being it was a small town everyone knew everyone and all friend groups had been established, making me feel like an outsider rather than allowing myself to live in isolation. I decided to use this to shape into the person I wanted to be. I had always been the quiet girl who never left her comfort zone and was an extreme nerd. But this gave me the chance to show that I can be outgoing and make friends while still doing well in school and try a sport I had never played before. I joined a few clubs along the way, whether it was Key Club, FCCLA, Math Club, Beta and even eventually FCA I made it a point to work with my new community for my community. I met some of the best friends I will ever have through my church and the lovely experience of going to church camp with them for the first time. They taught me to live through my faith to be unapologetically Christian and to be proud of my faith. Through this process, I have made lifelong friendships and found new mentors.
The experience has taught me resilience and how to adapt. I learned how to introduce myself confidently, ask questions about others to break the ice, and embrace discomfort as a part of personal growth through myself and growing closer to the lord. Gradually Arkansas became home, and I realized that while the setting may change, relationships with people and our one true god can make anywhere feel like home.
This move reshaped my perspective on life, showing me that challenges often hold hidden opportunities and lessons. The lessons I learned continue to guide me, helping me face uncertainties such as the stress of applying to colleges and the unknowing of what tomorrow holds and that the path you have chosen may not be what God wants for you with confidence and courage.
Veterans & Family Scholarship
My father was in the military. He joined the U.S. Army at 18 because he had a newborn son and new that he needed health insurance and a stable job to take care of his child and new wife. As the ambitious person that he was he was open to learning any and all things that he could. He became a weapons specialist a fueler and later moved to infantry. My father was deployed to Iraq where he was shown the worst sides of the world and saw just how terrible people can truly be. We often talk about how he feels guilty for all the innocent people that were harmed because of people being power hungry and not caring about the consequences or people they hurt. He likes to talk about all the amazing people he got to meet on his adventures in the military. He is still in contact with some of them today 20+ years later.
Seeing and hearing my father's story and meeting some of the people that also experienced these things on top of the many other people in my family that were in the military. Three of my grandpa's were in the military including the Airforce, Marines, and Navy. The show such amazing strength and willpower that I hope to one day have half the courage that they show on the daily. That being said I have made the decision to join the Airforce Academy to fallow their footsteps and be able to accel in my schooling. I hope to study aeronautical engineering or became a fighter pilot. If I choose to be a fighter pilot i will later in my career fallow the path of aeronautical engineering.
With my family backing my decision I hope to prove to them that I can make these dreams a reality and push to the next level with my schooling and be the person my country needs me to be. With the hopes of being able to travel and meet many different people and learn about many different types of cutlers and languages. Making friendships that will last decades like they have. Allowing this to build a foundation that I can use to further my life in many directions and allowing my faith to be a large part of it. I can use my job as a way to spread the good works of God and open others up to his goodness I will.
Anthony Bruder Memorial Scholarship
As a student athlete I have grown to understand that student is before athlete for a reason and that you need to have good balance between the two because being good at sports is cool and can help you excel, but if you don't do well in school you will deal with the consequences for years. Playing sports has allowed me to excel in my schooling because I was able to use it as a way to decompress.
Being an athlete has taught me to persevere and be able to pick myself up from a loss and move forward and push to be better. When I was younger, I was on a sports team with a coach that had a lot of personal issues going on; it pushed me away from sports and I watched as my drive to succeed and do well in everything I do and to put my all in began to dwindle. This intern affected my mood and mentality, I watched as many of my friendships began to suffer.
I then found a new sport that I could use Disc Golf. I then found myself become closer to my dad. With finding a new sport I was opened up to the opportunity of new friendships and finding new mentors. This experience opened me up to get better at a new sport and even go to the world competition to compete. This pushed me mentally and physically and I found that after this experience I was able to handle more with school and push myself further. This allowed me to realize a future that I only ever dreamed of achieving.
Finding a career that will keep me on my toes and allow me to constantly be learning. From a young age I have always wanted to serve my country in some way shape or form. This stemmed from the many people in my family that also served. The knowledge they have given me over the years has only stemmed the growing will to join them. That being said I also understand the amount of mental strength join the military can have on a person and I believe that the years of sports training and vigorous schooling that I have endured that I might be slightly prepared for this new adventure. Hoping to use my schooling and go father in it I came to the conclusion of joining a military collage and pursuing engineering in some form.
Matthew E. Minor Memorial Scholarship
As a new senior in high school that moved to this school only two years ago, I have been applying for many scholarships through my school as well as other programs. My community has also been helping to open me up to as many scholarship opportunities there are in my area that I qualify for.
In my community the amount of cyber bullying that impacts younger children is high. The main way I work through my community to help the younger generation is to help teach the consequences that come with bullying in general. Our society has become lenient on the consequences given for all crimes but especially with bullying of children. So much so we have children being led to suicide as an escape because no one helps them. Studies have shown that most people and children that end up turning to suicide, feel they have no other choice due to isolation from bullying.
As a youth leader in my church, I help kids to understand the different types of bullying there is and how they may or may not be subconsciously doing it. I lead with the understanding that if kids better understand what bullying is that it will deter them from the act. This alone has shown a drop in the amount of bullying reported by our kids.
Teaching kids the dangers of the internet and what can happen through social media should be a huge part of the learning process for kids that are being given access to the internet. If we teach children from the begging that things said and posted are on the internet forever and the whole world has access to it in some way shape or form. As someone that has experienced bullying in many different forms; had I been taught the proper way to deal with bullying and had confidence in the adults around me to actually stop what was happening I would have opened up about it sooner and the lasting damage would have been not so severe.
If as a society, we choose to make a change and actually hold people and kids accountable for bullying we can lessen the amount. Many kids start bullying because their parents do it to them at home or they were a victim of bullying. When kids and adults realize they can't get away with bullying they will realize how wrong it is and stop in course ending the cycle.