Aviation Expo Gives $196K in Scholarships to Aspiring Pilots

Hagerstown, MD – November 7, 2025 – The 19th Annual Aviation Education & Career Expo, hosted by Rider Jet Center, brought together approximately 1,300 aspiring high school and college students ages 16–22, from across the Mid-Atlantic region and the nation. The event provided a dynamic platform for students to engage with more than 65 leading aviation organizations—including universities, airlines, private aviation companies, and representatives from medical, military, and law enforcement agencies.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Aviators Through Education and Opportunity

Hundreds of students submitted essays for the opportunity to earn prestigious scholarships, flight training awards, and paid internships sponsored by participating organizations. This year’s sponsors collectively awarded $196,635 in scholarships, bringing the Expo’s total scholarship awards to more than $1.8 million since its inception in 2009.

Julie O’Brien, Director of Business Development for Chantilly Air in Manassas, Virginia, and Expo Co-Founder, reflected on the event’s lasting impact:

“The Expo provides a one-day experience that can last a lifetime. We mentor students, expose them to the industry, and give many of them a hand up through scholarships and internships to discover and pursue their passion for the skies. I am thrilled to take this event to new levels through the Paragon Aviation Group Network, Chantilly Air, and our partners at Rider Jet Center.”

The Expo offers a unique opportunity for students to interact directly with professionals and explore the multitude of career paths within the aviation and aerospace industries. Attendees participated in keynote presentations, live demonstrations, and interactive sessions designed to inspire and inform future leaders in flight.

Keynote Speakers and Presenters Included:

• Shannetta Griffin, Maryland Aviation Administration
• Ben Rider, Owner, Rider Jet Center
• Taylor Warren, Potomac Tower Air Traffic Control
• Young Park, First Chime In-Flight Catering (Interview with Vincent Mickens, Private Air Media)
• Carly Hose, Washington County Sheriff’s K-9 Demonstration
• John Hill, Entrepreneur, Business Leader, and Pilot
• Micah “Snoop” Lenox, Former Naval Aviator (F-18 Super Hornet), L39 Demonstrator, Leader, and Philanthropist

2025 Legacy Scholarship Honorees

The Expo proudly recognizes the following individuals whose legacies continue to inspire future generations of aviators:

• Dave Rider – Founder of Rider Jet Center, veteran, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. (Courtesy of Rider Jet Center and South Mountain Aviation)
• LeRoy Homer Jr. – Air Force veteran and First Officer of United Airlines Flight 93, who heroically gave his life on September 11, 2001. (Courtesy of the LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Foundation)
• Jason Emeric Brunsman – Passionate aviator, Civil Air Patrol 2nd Lieutenant, and former Expo scholarship recipient. (Courtesy of Unmanned Safety Institute)
• Yong Sung Park – Inspiration to his sister Young Park, owner of First Chime In-Flight Catering. (Courtesy of First Chime Private Catering)
• Sarah Thompson – Aviation marketing leader and Expo Co-Founder whose vision continues to shape the event. (Courtesy of The Hoxton Agency and Creating Lift Leadership)

2025 Scholarship Recipients

In addition to scholarships, internships were awarded courtesy of Chantilly Air, First Chime In-Flight Catering, Sierra Nevada Corporation, and South Mountain Aviation.

A special thank you to Toth Financial, First Chime In-Flight Catering, Little Caesars, Bonnie Blue, The Grille at Runways, Costco, and Harris Teeter for generously providing meals for attendees and staff throughout the event.

About the Aviation Education & Career Expo

The Aviation Education & Career Expo is one of the nation’s premier aviation education events, founded in 2005 by aviation professionals Julie O’Brien and Sarah Thompson. Dedicated to inspiring and equipping the next generation of aviation and aerospace leaders.

For more information, visit www.paragonaviationgroup.com and click on “Aviation Expo” for a full list of sponsors and participants.

About Paragon Aviation Group

Paragon Aviation Group is part of the globally operating Luxaviation Group, renowned for its excellence in a comprehensive range of business aviation services. Luxaviation specializes in aircraft management for private and commercial aircraft, private air charter services, and the management and operation of VIP passenger terminals at over 140 facilities worldwide.

Media Contact:
Name: Julie O’Brien
Title: Director of Business Development
Email: julieobrien@chantillyair.com
Phone: 703.822.7603