Congratulations to our 2026 Scholars!

2023 Scholarship Recipient

Sophie Boudreau is an Aerospace Engineering student at Polytechnique Montréal. Passionate about inspiring the next generation, she is actively involved in outreach initiatives that promote aerospace and encourage young women to pursue careers in STEM. She also serves as Treasurer of the Northern Lights Aero Foundation Junior Board. Outside of her studies and volunteer work, Sophie is an avid trail runner who enjoys taking on new endurance challenges.

2023 Scholarship Recipient

Joon Choi is a Royal Canadian Air Force officer currently training as a pilot and supporting operations at the Air Component Coordination Element (Central) in Toronto. He holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Science from the Royal Military College of Canada, where he served as the Deputy Cadet Wing Commander in his final year and published a peer-reviewed IEEE conference paper applying explainable AI enhanced with social media sentiment analysis to equity trading. Joon aspires to lead in the future of transportation and logistics, combining his operational experience in the RCAF with plans for graduate studies to drive innovation in aviation and beyond. Outside of work, he enjoys playing baseball, training in powerlifting, and bothering his sister’s cat which he likes to claim as his own.

2021 Scholarship Recipient

Callum French (he/they) is a third year medical student at the University of Alberta with a background in Chemical Engineering and Biochemistry and an interest in the blending of healthcare and the space industry. He is a member of the Canadian Society of Aerospace Medicine Students and Residents Subgroup (CSAM-CStaRS) and is the lead of the Space Medicine Club at the UofA. Callum is passionate about connecting excited students with opportunities to explore their interests by speaking with mentors and finding research projects they can help contribute to. When he’s not dreaming about the stars, you can find him volunteering for local Queer organizations, studying to one day become a surgeon, or relaxing by playing a multi-hour board game with comically too many rules.

Commercial Pilot/Flight Instructor

Hannah McKay is a Multi-IFR rated Commercial Pilot and works as a Class 3 Flight Instructor at the Edmonton Flying Club. Outside of flying she is  committed to serving the aviation community. Through her role with Elevate Aviation, Hannah helps inspire youth and underrepresented groups to pursue a career in aviation.

Producer, Director of Film/TV, Actor, Public Speaker, and Aviator

Rob ‘Scratch’ Mitchell is a producer, director of film/TV, actor, public speaker, and aviator.

Rob bites into life, and it shows in all that he does. Affectionately known as “Scratch” to his fighter pilot mates, he hails from Victoria, British Columbia and now lives in Vancouver, BC where he is living out his goals balancing being a producer, director of film / TV, an actor and aviator. Previously, Mr. Mitchell served in the Royal Canadian Air Force as a fighter pilot flying CF-18s and with the world renowned Snowbirds, including serving as Team Lead for two years.

After studying acting and film production for numerous years, Mr. Mitchell left the RCAF to become a full time producer, actor and air show pilot. For seven seasons, Mr. Mitchell was with the world famous Patriots Jet Team out of California. Mr. Mitchell was a character, director and a producer of the successful Discovery series AIRSHOW and he worked on the recent Blockbuster Midway. He directs aerial sequences and coordinates aerial stunts.

As a third generation military pilot, Mr. Mitchell recalls the harrowing tales of his grandfather flying Spitfires in Europe in WWII and proudly watching his dad fly jets in the 70s and 80s.

Mr. Mitchell holds a degree in Sociology and a Master’s degree in Strategy and Management.

Executive Vice President / Founding Chair of RCAF Foundation
Maru Public Opinion

John Wright CAIP, FRCGS is Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion and has carried out surveys in over 40 countries over the last 30 years. He currently serves as the Honorary Colonel for the Chief of the Defence Staff Office and is a member of the RCAF Commanders Advisory Council. He is also the Chair of the Board of Directors of the RCAF Foundation.

He has previously served as HCol for RCAF W/C William G. Barker VC Aerospace College, HCol for RCAF 400 Tactical Helicopter SQN, and as HLCol for the Ontario Regiment (RCAC). John has been awarded four Commanders Commendations, the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal for Military History and Education, the Ontario Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Community Volunteerism, an Arbor Award from the University of Toronto, and a Fellowship with the Royal Canadian Geographic Society. He has also served as a Director for numerous charitable organizations including Canada Company, Wounded Warriors Canada, and the Canadian Forces College (CFC) Foundation.

Managing Partner and Principal
Global Trade Credit Inc

Graham MacLachlan is the Managing Partner and Principal of Global Trade Credit Inc, providing Credit Insurance to Canadian companies trading internationally.

Previously, Graham worked for the Government of Manitoba as the Trade Development Officer for the Aerospace and Aviation Sectors and was instrumental in the creation and implementation of the Manitoba Aerospace Association.

Graham is an author, having researched, commissioned and co-wrote J.P. Bickell: The Life, the Leafs and the Legacy. The book outlines his relative’s work with the RAF Aircraft Ministry, Victory Aircraft and A.V. Roe Canada Limited. Proceeds from the book went to Camp Bickell, a family legacy since 1940, of which Graham serves on the Board of Directors serving the youth of Northern Ontario.

Director of Visitor Experience
Canada Aviation and Space Museum

Audrey Vermette is the Director of Visitor Experience at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, where she has worked for nearly a decade. With over 30 years of experience in the museum field, she is deeply passionate about Canada’s culture and heritage. Her expertise in strategic planning, client services, communications, programming and exhibition management has supported her in understanding the needs of both audiences and professionals and has strengthened her leadership roles at leading Canadian institutions, including the Canadian Museums Association, the Canadian Museum of History, the Canadian War Museum, and the Canada Aviation and Space Museum.