Academy of Aviation Scholarship Recipient 

Tanisha Alilaikannan

Tanisha is a junior at the Academy of Information Technology and Engineering in Stamford, Connecticut. Her career background includes serving as a Cadet Commander in the Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary. She is also a Research Team Leader at the New York Academy of Sciences. At the same time she is the founder and president of the Women’s Mentoring Junior Board, where she spearheaded community service initiatives such as collecting school supplies and food donations for the community. C/Capt Alilaikannan has served in a number of important positions during her CAP leadership development. She attended the New York Wing Leadership Training Encampment at the Hancock ANG Base in Syracuse, NY, twice, in the Summer of 2020, and in 2021. In recognition of her outstanding leadership of their newest cadets, she was recognized last year, and this year, with the Capt Karen Feil Spotlight on Leadership Award.

Tradewind Scholarship Recipient 

Danielle Mitchell

Danielle is currently a student at White Plains High School where she participates in the Mayor’s Youth Council, Student Government, Civil Air Patrol, National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, and the Digital Art Club. She has completed over 120 hours of community service in the past two years. Since joining CAP three years ago, she has grown and developed in the CAP Cadet leadership program, making her one of the most experienced senior NCO’s they now have. For her achievements in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), and participation in squadron STEM programs, C/2d Lt Mitchell has completed the requirements for her CAP Basic STEM Badge. C/2d Lt Mitchell has participated in numerous Aerospace Education programs including the Cross Country Flight Planning and Flying Seminar, STEM Day at Camp Smith as a participant and as an instructor, a FEMA Geospatial Information Systems and Damage Assessment Workshop, and the CAP Rocketry Program. Earlier this year she was awarded a competitive AERO grant from The Vreeland Institute, to advance her personal goal of learning about flying and earning an FAA Pilot Certificate. 

Performance Flight Scholarship Recipient 

Kate Pallas

Kate has been a member of the line service team at Reliant Air Charter since 2022 and also works at Hawthorne Global Aviation at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP) while attending college. She is currently an Instrument Rated Private Pilot and is working towards her Commercial Pilots License. When she is not working, she stays actively involved in campus life at Marywood University. There she is a member of the Aviation Cub and was elected as the aviation representative for the School of Business & Global Innovation. Then simultaneously an active member of Zeta Phi Delta, Marywood’s local sorority focused on community service.