An annual Aviation Scholarship Winner will be awarded in the amount of $5,000 to those pursuing a career in aviation to support the dreams of hard-working compassionate and goal oriented young adults.
CONGRATULATIONS RYAN SMITH, DALLAS ROMAN, KRYSTI VEALS, LYLITH TURNER, CADE GLASS and HARRISON KESSLER!!!!
2025/2026 Embry Riddle Scholarship Recipient!
We are proud to announce the aviation scholarship established at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. The scholarship Winner, in the amount of $5,000 is presented to Harrison Kessler. Harrison is approaching her senior year at Embry Riddle.
My name is Harrison Kessler, and I am student at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, majoring in Aviation and Aeronautical Science. I am writing to express my gratitude for the opportunity to apply for a scholarship. I believe this scholarship will significantly help me on my academic and career journey.
I grew up in a small town where the sky was always clear, and airplanes frequently flew overhead. From a young age, I was fascinated by flight and the mechanics behind it. This passion led me to pursue a degree in
Aeronautical Science. My goal is to become a skilled pilot and eventually work in the airlines. My academic journey so far has been both challenging and rewarding. Maintaining a GPA of 3.3 has required dedication and hard work, but it has all been worth it. The courses I have taken have deepened my understanding of aviation principles and have fueled my passion even more. However, the cost of education is high, and financial support is crucial for me to continue my studies without the added stress of financial burdens.
Receiving a scholarship would be a tremendous help in achieving my academic and career goals. It would allow me to focus more on my studies and less on the financial strain. I am committed to making the most of this opportunity by continuing to excel in my coursework and contributing positively to the aviation community.
I am deeply grateful to the donors for their generosity and support. This scholarship would not only ease my financial burden but also serve as a motivation to continue working hard and striving for excellence. Thank you for considering my application
2025/2026 ADAMS STATE UNIVERSITY SCHOARSHIP RECIPIENTS!!!
The Zachary Michael Capra Foundation and Adams State Athletics have announced that football student-athlete Zachary Ray and Chris Willliams have been awarded the Fifth annual Zachary Capra Memorial Scholarship.
The Zachary Michael Capra Memorial Foundation is a nonprofit established in 2018 in honor of Zachary Michael Capra, who was studying to become a commercial airline pilot. Zachary Capra was killed on April 4, 2018, when the small-engine plane he was flying crashed just after takeoff in Daytona Beach, Florida. Capra attended Adams State University for a semester.
Zachary Ray is a junior linebacker for the Adams State University Grizzlies football program. Originally from El Centro, California, he played his prep career at Imperial High School before continuing his athletic and academic journey at Adams State. Standing 6-foot-2, Ray brings a physical and disciplined presence to the Grizzly defense, known for his effort, toughness, and competitive mindset. He is currently pursuing a degree in Kinesiology while balancing his commitment to academics, athletics, and team leadership.
Chris Williams
Chris Williams is a sophomore defensive back for the Adams State University Grizzlies football program. Originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Williams developed his foundation as a versatile two-way athlete at Sierra High School before making the move to Alamosa. Standing 6-foot-1, he brings length, speed, and physicality to the Grizzly secondary, with the ability to play both in coverage and in run support. During the 2024 season, Williams has emerged as a playmaker on defense, recording 12 tackles and 2 interceptions, showcasing strong instincts and ball skills. Off the field, he is majoring in Business and is committed to developing his leadership and academics alongside his growth as a student-athlete.
COMGRATUALTION ZACH AND CHRIS AND HAVE A GREAT SEASON!!!
2024 ADAMS STATE UNIVERSITY SCHOARSHIP RECIPIENTS!!!
The Zachary Michael Capra Foundation and Adams State Athletics have announced that football student-athlete Trevor Allen has been awarded the fourth annual Zachary Capra Memorial Scholarship.
The Zachary Michael Capra Memorial Foundation is a nonprofit established in 2018 in honor of Zachary Michael Capra, who was studying to become a commercial airline pilot. Zachary Capra was killed on April 4, 2018, when the small-engine plane he was flying crashed just after takeoff in Daytona Beach, Florida. Capra attended Adams State University for a semester.
“Trevor is a tremendous asset to Adams State football on and off the field. His commitment to academics and athletics is inspiring to coaches and players and this award solidifies that. We are proud to have Trevor a part of the ASU football family,” said Head Football Coach Jarrell Harrison.
Trevor Allen, a sophomore punter/kicker from Escondido, California, attended Classical Academy. Allen is studying sports management and has a 3.27 GPA in the classroom.
“It is such an honor to be the 5th recipient of this scholarship! It is my dream to get my degree in sports management and play pro football and this scholarship is a huge help in allowing me to achieve that goal. ” said Allen.
2023 Adams State University Scholarship Recipient!
— Adams State University Athletics and the Zachary Michael Capra Foundation has announced that football student-athlete Dallas Kroh has been awarded the fourth annual Zachary Capra Memorial Scholarship.
To qualify for the scholarship, a student-athlete must be a full-time, degree-seeking student with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75.
“Dallas is great young man whose parents instilled in him a great mindset for academics. We love that Dallas is a part of our program and I look forward to him growing and developing both academically and athletically as a Grizzly.” said Head Coach Jarrell Harrison. “It’s exciting that he was chosen for this scholarship.”
The Zachary Michael Capra Memorial Foundation is a non-profit foundation who was a future commercial airline pilot. Capra was killed on April 4, 2018 when the small engine plane he was flying crashed just after takeoff in Daytona Beach, Florida
Kroh, a freshman has a 3.97 GPA and is pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering.
“I am very honored to receive this scholarship,” said Kroh. “Every day I strive to get at least one percent better, not only on the field but in life as well. Thank you for choosing me as the recipient, I am very humbled.”
Dallas Kroh is from Tuscon, AZ and attended Mountain View High School.
Congratulations Dallas and welcome to the Tailwinds of Hope Family!!!!!!
Good luck in your journey and obtaining your goals at Adams State University.
For more information about the scholarship please visit https://tailwindsofhope.org
2022 ADAMS STATE UNIVERSITY SCHOARSHIP RECIPIENTS!!!
Tailwinds of Hope-The Zachary Michael Capra Foundations is honored to announce the Scholarship Winner of the annual scholarship established at Adams State University, in honor of Zachary Michael Capra. The recipient will be awarded $2500 to support their educational goals.
The 2022 is Kaden Kirk!!!
“Kirk is a great kid who works hard every day, is a great student who embodies everything we try to do as with this football team,” said Head Coach Jarrell Harrison. “It’s exciting that he was chosen for this scholarship.”
The Zachary Michael Capra Memorial Foundation is a non-profit foundation established in 2018 in honor of Zachary Michael Capra, who was studying to become a future commercial airline pilot. Zachary Capra was killed on April 4, 2018 when the small engine plane he was flying crashed just after takeoff in Daytona Beach, Florida. Zachary also attended Adams State for one semester.
Kirk, a redshirt freshman has a 3.75 GPA and is pursuing a degree in kinesiology.
“I am very honored to receive this scholarship,” said Kirk. “I put forward my best effort day in and day out and nothing but good things can come from this.”
The Capra family experienced a tremendous and unexpected loss four years ago. Tailwinds of Hope wishes the best to Kaden as his hard work and ambition for success leads him to his dream career.
A motto the Capra family reminds themselves often is.…“Let your hope not your hurt shape your future”.
2021ADAMS STATE UNIVERSITY SCHOARSHIP RECIPIENTS!!!
Tailwinds of Hope-The Zachary Michael Capra Foundations is honored to announce the Scholarship Winner of the annual scholarship established at Adams State University, in honor of Zachary Michael Capra. The recipient will be awarded $2500 to support their educational goals.
The 2021 recipient is Tyler Barats.
Tyler graduated from Spanish Springs High School…2016-17 All State Center, All State Defensive Tackle….2014-2017 All State heavyweight Wrestling. Tyler is son of Amy Barats, and is Majoring in Nursing and plans on becoming a nurse after college.
The Capra family experienced a tremendous and unexpected loss three years ago. Tailwinds of Hope wishes the best to Richard as his hard work and ambition for success leads him to his dream career.
A motto the Capra family reminds themselves often is.…“Let your hope not your hurt shape your future”.
First ADAMS STATE UNIVERSITY SCHOARSHIP RECIPIENTS!!!
Tailwinds of Hope-The Zachary Michael Capra Foundations is honored to announce the Scholarship Winner of the first annual scholarship established at Adams State University, in honor of Zachary Michael Capra. The recipient will be awarded $2500 to support their educational goals.
The first recipient is Richard Secrest III.
Richard Secrest III was born in Seattle Washington and graduated from Olympic High School in 2014. He joined Adams State football team by way of Butte Community College (CA) in the fall of 2019. Majoring in business with an emphasis in marketing, Richard boasts a cumulative 3.4 GPA and plans to pursue his master’s degree once he graduates. On the football field for the Grizzlies, Richard saw action on special teams and defense before a season ending knee injury in the 2019 season. After playing and graduating with his MBA from Adams State University he plans to pursue a career in coaching to mentor young men through the game of football.
The Capra family experienced a tremendous and unexpected loss two years ago. Tailwinds of Hope wishes the best to Richard as his hard work and ambition for success leads him to his dream career.
A motto the Capra family reminds themselves often is.…“Let your hope not your hurt shape your future”.
2025 Mountain High School Scholarship Recipients Tailwinds of Hope Nonprofit
Tailwinds of Hope-The Zachary Michael Capra Foundations is honored to announce the 2025 recipients of the annual scholarship established at Mountain Range High School, in honor of Zachary Michael Capra, a 2011 graduate. Each recipient will be awarded $2500 to support their educational goals.
The Capra family experienced a tremendous and unexpected loss seven years ago. Creating something positive out of unforeseen circumstances and challenges is a theme demonstrated by both of these individuals. Tailwinds of Hope wishes the best to Messiah and Madison as their hard work and ambition for success leads them to their dream careers. A motto the Capra family reminds themselves often is.… “Let your hope not your hurt shape your future”.
Messiah will be attending Metropolitan State to pursue his dream of being a commercial pilot!!
Madison will be attending Denver University to pursue a degree in Business!!!
Congratulations Messiah Williams & Madison Gauna and welcome the Tailwinds of Hope Family!!!
2024 Mountain High School Scholarship Recipients Tailwinds of Hope Nonprofit
Tailwinds of Hope-The Zachary Michael Capra Foundations is honored to announce the 2024 recipients of the annual scholarship established at Mountain Range High School, in honor of Zachary Michael Capra, a 2011 graduate. Each recipient will be awarded $2500 to support their educational goals.
The Capra family experienced a tremendous and unexpected loss six years ago. Creating something positive out of unforeseen circumstances and challenges is a theme demonstrated by both of these individuals. Tailwinds of Hope wishes the best to Lily and Olivia as their hard work and ambition for success leads them to their dream careers. A motto the Capra family reminds themselves often is.… “Let your hope not your hurt shape your future”.
Jack Kershaw. Jack will be attending Ottawa University of Arizona and will studying Kinesiology and a minor in Biomedical Engineering!!!
Kaydee Blue. Kaydee will be attending Colorado Mesa University of studying Kinesiology!!!!
Congratulations Jack Kershaw & Kaydee Blue and welcome the Tailwinds of Hope Family!!!
2023 Mountain Range High School Scholarship Recipients Tailwinds of Hope Nonprofit
Tailwinds of Hope-The Zachary Michael Capra Foundations is honored to announce the 2023 recipients of the annual scholarship established at Mountain Range High School, in honor of Zachary Michael Capra, a 2011 graduate. Each recipient will be awarded $2500 to support their educational goals.
The Capra family experienced a tremendous and unexpected loss five years ago. Creating something positive out of unforeseen circumstances and challenges is a theme demonstrated by both of these individuals. Tailwinds of Hope wishes the best to Lily and Olivia as their hard work and ambition for success leads them to their dream careers. A motto the Capra family reminds themselves often is.… “Let your hope not your hurt shape your future”.
The first one is Syndee Rivera. Syndee will be attending University of Wyoming studying Crime Scene Investigation.
The second one is Jacob Sungia-Chavez. Jacob will be attending Community College of Aurora and finishing his A.A.S. in Diesel Power Mechanics.
Congratulations Sydnee Rivera & Jacob-Sungia-Chavez and welcome the Tailwinds of Hope Family!!!
2022 Mountain Range High School Scholarship Recipients Tailwinds of Hope Nonprofit
Tailwinds of Hope-The Zachary Michael Capra Foundations is honored to announce the 2022 recipients of the annual scholarship established at Mountain Range High School, in honor of Zachary Michael Capra, a 2011 graduate. Each recipient will be awarded $2500 to support their educational goals.
The first 2022 recipient is Lily Maves. Lily will be attending the University of Arizona and will be pursuing a degree in Business Analytics!!
The second 2022 recipient is Olivia Aldridge. Olivia will also be attending the University of Arizona and will be pursuing a degree in Global Studies!!
The Capra family experienced a tremendous and unexpected loss four years ago. The senior graduating class has also experienced a sense of loss, as their senior year was abruptly halted due to unforeseen circumstances. Creating something positive out of unforeseen circumstances and challenges is a theme demonstrated by both of these individuals. Tailwinds of Hope wishes the best to Lily and Olivia as their hard work and ambition for success leads them to their dream careers. A motto the Capra family reminds themselves often is.…“Let your hope not your hurt shape your future”.
Congratulations Lily and Olivia!!! Nonprofit Scholarship Winners.
2025 Westminster High School Scholarship Recipients!
Tailwinds of Hope-The Zachary Michael Capra Foundations is honored to announce the 2025 recipients of the annual scholarships established at Westminster High School, in honor of Zachary Michael Capra. Each recipient will be awarded $2500 to support their educational goal
The 2025 recipients are Hiedi Keosomboon and Ashley Virgen Morales.
Hiedi will be attending University of Colorado Boulder!
Ashley will be attending Colorado Mesa University!
2024 Westminster High School Scholarship Recipients!
Tailwinds of Hope-The Zachary Michael Capra Foundations is honored to announce the 2024 recipients of the annual scholarships established at Westminster High School, in honor of Zachary Michael Capra. Each recipient will be awarded $2500 to support their educational goals.
The 2024 recipients are Brianna Bannister and Emiliana Munoz!!!
Brianna Bannister will be attending Regis University pursuing a Nursing Degree!
Emiliana Munoz will be attending Colorado University Boulder and studying Communication!!
2023 Westminster High School Scholarship Recipient
Tailwinds of Hope-The Zachary Michael Capra Foundations is honored to announce the 2023 recipients of the annual scholarships established at Westminster High School, in honor of Zachary Michael Capra. Each recipient will be awarded $2500 to support their educational goals.
The 2023 recipients are Ingrid Duran and Fatima Tovar Saucedo
Ingrid Duran will be attending the University of Northern Colorado studying Criminal Justice!!!
Fatima Tovar Saucedo will be attending the University of Colorado studying Computer Science!!!
Congratulations and welcome to the Tailwinds of Hope Family.
2022 Westminster High School Scholarship Recipient
The 2022 recipient is Seaera Borrego, Seaera will be attending Colorado State University and will be pursuing a degree in Fish, Wildlife Biology!!!
The Capra family experienced a tremendous and unexpected loss four years ago. Creating something positive out of unforeseen circumstances and challenges is a theme demonstrated by Omar. Tailwinds of Hope wishes the best to Omar as his hard work and ambition for success leads them to their dream careers. A motto the Capra family reminds themselves often is.…“Let your hope not your hurt shape your future”. Congratulations Seaera!!!!
2022 Tailwinds of Hope Non-Profit Scholarship Winner
Seaera will be attending Colorado State University and will be pursuing a degree in Fish, Wildlife, and Conversation Biology!!!
Omar will be attending University of Northern Colorado and will be pursuing a degree in Science Tech.
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2025 Private Pilot’s License Recipient!!
Congratulations Cadence Toman!!!
Cadence is a junior currently attending Rocky Mountain High School is Fort Collins, Colorado. Cadence has an impressive resume early in into her career of flight. Cadence maintains a 4.175 GPD while having a part time job as well as volunteering in the community. She is also a part of associations involved in aviation, AOPA and Woman in Aviation. Cadence has 63 flight hours and will use the $2500 to complete her Private Pilot’s License this spring through The Flying School in Loveland Colorado. ” I wanted to become a pilot ever since I finished watching the Skyward book series by Brandon Sanferson. In this series, the main character is a 17-year-old girl. Her dream since childhood was to become a pilot and help protect her people from the attacking aliens. I mentioned to my parents that I was interested in flying and received an introductory flight as a present for Christmas”. She plans on visiting several of the top aviation colleges in the country to pursue her dreams. Good Luck and welcome to the Tailwinds o Hope family!!!!
Lucas is attending Charles O Dickerson High School Trumansburg, NY. Lucas founded the high school First tech Challenge Robotics team; he also builds and flies drones. He also participated in varsity golf and soccer. Lucas has accumulated 16 hours of flight time through the East Hill Flying Club, this $2500 scholarship will help him obtain his private pilot’s license. Lucas will be attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, AZ. He will be pursuing a degree in Aeronautical Science and received the Presidental Scholarship.
“The thought of spending my days among the clouds, exploring new horizons, and helping people reach their destinations safe fills me with pride”. He also stated, ” When i am flying planes, time seems to stand still and it’s just me and the sky. I am committed to turning my passion Ito a fulfilling and exciting career as a pilot”.
Congratulations Lucas and are excited to follow your passion and dream to become a pilot!!!!
I began flying in 2017 at the age of 12 and have been in love with aviation ever since. I always enjoyed flying to our vacations rather than the actual vacation, and so I knew from a very young age that my eyes would always be turned skyward. I transitioned this passion into flight training and solo flew for the first time at the age of 16. Then I got my private pilot license at 17, before continuing my training at Embry Riddle, where I am now a commercial pilot. Along the way, I have also dedicated myself to the community that I am apart of. I have joined various non-profits that seek to share aviation with the world, and I have been lucky enough to witness some incredibly inspiring moments throughout that time. Aviation is truly in my blood, and it is my intention to carry that forward for the rest of my life. One day, hopefully soon, I will be flying professionally at the airlines, fulfilling a lifelong dream of mine
Firstly, thank you so much for your generosity. This scholarship not only provides funding for my final year at Embry Riddle, but it also allows me to focus more on enjoying my college years. Donors like yourself have made it possible to continue my studies. Attending Embry Riddle I have met the kindest people willing to lend advice. I am so happy to have expanded that circle now. Zachary Capra’s story is one that still influences Embry Riddle today. Since my first year at ERAU I have followed the legacy of Zachary through social media. He seemed like a fearless spirit and full of life.
After graduating I hope to become a flight instructor at Embry Riddle. Embry Riddle had the nicest training facilities and resources I have seen. This is something I hope to savor as I gain my hours. After reaching my ATP minimums, I plan to fly private jets for a few years before transitioning to the airlines.
Working at Gulfstream has definitely made me interested in corporate flying, but nothing beats the quality of life the airlines provide. Whichever route I decide to go, I know I will enjoy it. Flying has been my passion for some time now. Every time I start my engine, I think about the people that have helped me achieve my dreams, and this person is you.
Again, thank you so much for this award. This changes my situation significantly. I will be forever grateful.
First, I would like to say thank you for the Zachary Capra Memorial Aviation Scholarship. Attending
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is one of the best decisions I have made for myself, and receiving
this award has only made that experience better. I am so humbled to be able to continue my education
here and have the financial load significantly lifted. When I first saw the award, a burst of excitement
and surprise ran through me, and I immediately knew I wanted to thank the people responsible for this
great gift.
Since I was a child, I was fascinated with outer space, aircraft, and Earth as a whole. Until I was around
15, I wanted to be an astronaut. However, as I got older, I started to question if becoming an astronaut
was simply a dream or a true career path for me. For my 16th birthday, I got to ride in a helicopter over
Niagara Falls. Being so high in the air and close to the clouds completely shifted my view of aviation, and
I soon became mesmerized by the thought of flying. The pilot of that helicopter told me that pilots are in
high demand and it is a very rewarding career path for those with an interest in aircraft and traveling.
Since those were two things that greatly interested me, I began to look at colleges that offered aviation
as a major. After a quick online search, I stumbled upon ERAU in Daytona Beach, Florida. I was instantly
in love with the campus and surrounding area. The following school year, I applied and got accepted to
the university. After beginning my major of Aeronautical Science in Fall 2020, I felt like I was starting a
new life and crafting my own future.
As of Summer 2022, I am now an Aeronautics major with minors in Aeronautical Studies, Applied
Meteorology, and Airline Operations, and I will graduate in Fall 2023. In short, I get to explore my
childhood passions in college.
You have greatly helped me on this journey by awarding me a donor scholarship, and I will forever be
thankful for you assisting me in achieving my dreams.
My name is Dallas Roman, and I am from Jacksonville, Florida. I am 19 years old and the first one in my
family to pursue a degree in aviation to become a pilot. I am currently enrolled as a sophomore at
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and in pursuit of my B.S in Aeronautical Science. During my first
year at Embry-Riddle I worked hard to get my private pilot’s license and now I am working on obtaining
my Instrument rating. Thanks to my grandparents living so far away, I have been pursuing the skies ever
since I was a kid. My dream has always been to fly across the globe and my goal is to become an
international commercial pilot. My favorite hobby is to take young people flying, to inspire them to want
to become a pilot and to hopefully one day train them at a school like Embry-Riddle. Soaring high in the
clouds is a beautiful feeling that cannot be matched.
I am truly grateful for this opportunity to be the first Embry Riddle Recipient of the Zachary Michael Capra Memorial Aviation Scholarship. The gift is going to help me pursue my career and complete my lifelong goal of being an airline pilot. We all have hardships in life, with receiving this award theses hardships can be mitigated. Tailwinds of Hope is helping my college career and be closer to my dreams of being an airline pilot. I hope that i can express my gratitude toward you and all the foundation.
Support Aerospace Engineering Program!
Right now, Ranum Innovation is in the first Phase One if their plans and first school year began this fall. The campus offers support pathways in Aerospace Engineering, Biotechnology, and Cyber Technology. When its fully constructed the campus will offer a diverse range of classes with the eventual goal of hosting evening programming for adult learners. So this is essentially an incredible a opportunity for our young people to be significantly more prepared to the workforce at the time of graduation without the debt of distractions of college.
The mission of the foundation is to provide scholarships that support the dreams of hard-working, compassionate and goal oriented young adults. We have a lot of hard work ahead of us to make this foundation successful and live to up to Zachary's inspiration.
~ Let your hope not your hurt shape your future
Now is the right time to support organizations doing good in your community. Donating to Tailwinds of Hope is fully-tax deductible, and a great way to lower your tax bill and help us continue doing our work in our Thornton. Give us a call to learn more.
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