STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS
Mastering the Science of the Sky
A Conversation with Ilana Steele:
Bridging the Gap Between Aviation and Meteorology
For many students, the first year of college is a time of discovery. For Ilana Steele, a standout scholar now at the US Air Force Academy Colorado, Springs, it was a time to realign her passion for flight with the forces that govern it.
Approaching college, with a plan to major in Aerospace Engineering, Ilana pivoted to Meteorology with her options set on a military career as a Weather and Environmental Science Officer, a Space Operations Officer, or a pilot. While some might see this as a leap, in the world of aviation, these options are inseparable. As an accomplished pilot, Ilana knows that whether you are in the cockpit or at the forecasting station, the sky remains the common denominator.
She is a graduate of George Washington High School in Denver, Colorado and recipient of the Tuskegee Airmen Scholarship Foundation (TASF) Lonely Eagle Award through the Hubert L. “Hooks” Jones Chapter (Denver, CO). Ilana continues to prove that her commitment to excellence and the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen is unwavering.
Major Achievements:
- GPA: 4.91 (Weighted) – Ranked number one in her class.
- Certified Pilot: Earned both her Private Pilot Glider and Single Engine Land certificates by her 17th birthday.
- Leadership: Founder and President of the George Washington HS Aerospace Club and Event Captain for the Speech and Debate Team.
- Elite Athlete: All-State Award winner in Competitive Sport Climbing and youngest cyclist to finish the 2024 Rocky Mountain Grand Slam challenge.
- Community Service: Secretary of Community Service for the National Honor Society and member of the Colorado Pilots Association Education Committee.
- Language: Multilingual in Russian, Hebrew, and Spanish
Ilana explains that her multiculturalism and language skills allow her to see unique perspectives in the world around her.
The Interview with Ilana Steele
TASF: Ilana, you’ve moved from studying how we build aircraft to studying the very environment they operate in. How does mastering the “science of the sky” connect you to the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen?
Ilana: “Meteorology is imperative to any aviation-related mission. But, it is also not an exact science. The go or no-go decision can determine mission success and whether people live or die. The weather can be unpredictable and unforgiving. The mastery of the “science of the sky” is an evolving and complex endeavor that affects all parts of our lives, whether that be across the country or to the moon. I feel connected to the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen’s mastery of the elements to protect bombers and succeed in their missions. Much has changed since World War II, but we all still fly in the same skies.”
TASF: Integrity first is a key part of the Air Force core values. How has that value shaped your training and your view of leadership?
Ilana: “Honor is not just a code, it’s a vital component of safety. In aviation, if you lack the understanding to pass the exam, you shouldn’t be in the cockpit. Knowledge and competency are paramount, and when they slip, the results can be disastrous. Integrity lays the foundation for strong leadership. As a USAFA graduate and a former Air Force officer himself, Rob Zerbe, Soar Bolder, Instructor Pilot. instilled a deep regard for standards in me during my glider training, and I have continued to apply those standards in my flying and training.”
Our Commitment to Excellence
Ilana Steele is a prime example of the caliber of students the Tuskegee Airmen Scholarship Foundation seeks to support. Our selection process is rigorous, looking beyond just academic statistics to find individuals who embody the character, perseverance, and leadership of the original Airmen. By supporting students like Ilana, who rank at the very top of their classes and demonstrate a hands-on commitment to the future of aviation, we ensure that the legacy of the “Red Tails” continues to soar in the next generation of aerospace and meteorological leaders.
From the Space Coast to the Stars:
Meet Savion Kirby
For Savion Kirby,(video) the sky has never been a limit; it has always been a destination. Growing up on Florida’s Space Coast, Savion’s passion for aviation was sparked by the rockets trailing into the atmosphere and fueled by the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen. Today, we are proud to celebrate Savion as a recipient of the Tuskegee Airmen Scholarship Foundation (TASF) award, a milestone on his path to becoming a leader in the United States Air Force.
Applied through the General Daniel “Chappie” James, Jr. Chapter in Viera, Florida, Savion’s application stood out as a testament to discipline and excellence. A recent graduate of Melbourne High School, Savion managed a rigorous academic load as an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Candidate, maintaining a stellar 4.51 Weighted GPA.
Beyond the classroom, Savion’s high school career was defined by a relentless commitment to leadership and community service:
- AFJROTC Unit Commander: Progressed from cadet to Unit Commander, overseeing the discipline and efficiency of the entire corps. He was pivotal in his unit winning the USAF Distinguished Unit Award for three consecutive years.
- Student Government Association: Served as both Junior Class President and Student Body President, where he advocated for student needs and successfully led fundraising efforts totaling over $40,000.
- Private Pilot & Civil Air Patrol: Earned his private pilot’s license through the Chief of Staff Private Pilot Scholarship Program and serves as a qualified VFR pilot in the Civil Air Patrol.
- Varsity Track & Field: A six-year competitor and team captain, specializing in sprints and relays, earning three varsity letters.
- Extensive Volunteerism: Dedicated over 200 hours to community service, including the Melbourne Christmas parade, local cultural festivals, and school support events.
Now, Savion is taking the next major step in his career. He is currently attending the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA), where his focus is Aerospace Engineering. His goal is clear: to earn a pilot slot and serve his country as an Air Force Officer.
A Legacy of Excellence
Savion’s journey is deeply personal. As a first-generation American whose family immigrated from Trinidad and Tobago, he views his education and military aspirations as a way to honor his parents’ sacrifices. In his scholarship essay, Savion reflected on how the “Red Tails” continue to guide his work ethic:
“Their perseverance through adversity reminded me that discipline and resilience are essential to success, especially when pursuing excellence. Their legacy of breaking barriers inspires me to embrace challenges, knowing that I, too, can make a difference.” — Savion Kirby
Educators at Melbourne High School recognized early on that Savion possessed the rare combination of intellectual hunger and character. Jennifer Maze, the school’s IB Coordinator, noted his unique maturity and focus:
“Savion is genuinely an active participant in determining the direction of his future. He has an above average capability for successfully balancing academic and extra-curricular activity… he will find success in post-secondary pursuits because he has created a solid foundation.” — Jennifer Maze, IB Coordinator
Support the Next Generation of Pioneers
Savion Kirby embodies the spirit of the Tuskegee Airmen, pioneering, brave, and committed to excellence despite any obstacle. However, many brilliant students face financial barriers that threaten to ground their dreams before they can take flight.
The Tuskegee Airmen Scholarship Foundation exists to ensure that students like Savion have the resources they need to transition from high school to higher education and beyond. Your contribution directly supports the tuition, books, and fees of future aerospace engineers, pilots, and global leaders.
Honoring Legacy, Inspiring Innovation: Meet Vivia Lionice Webster, AbbVie STEM Scholar
The Tuskegee Airmen Scholarship Foundation is proud to spotlight Vivia Lionice Webster, a 2025 recipient of the prestigious AbbVie Pharmaceutical STEM Award. Vivia applied through the Virgin Islands Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. (VICTAI), and her story is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Airmen and the bright future they continue to inspire.
A senior at St. Croix Educational Complex High School in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Vivia ranks 2nd in her class of 191 students with an extraordinary GPA of 100.214 (on a numeric scale). She is dual-enrolled in the University of the Virgin Islands’ Early Admissions Program, where she’s already earning college credit while maintaining Principal and Superintendent Honor Roll status.
Vivia plans to major in pharmaceutical sciences with a career goal of developing life-saving medicines that heal communities across the globe. Her passion for STEM is matched by her commitment to service, leadership, and aviation.
“My future goal is to create medicines to heal the world. Although I may never see the outcomes or the lives I impact, I know that, like the Tuskegee Airmen and Amelia Jones, who served as a U.S. Army Air Force sergeant and was later honored with the Tuskegee Airmen red jacket, my contributions will make a difference. With this mindset, I continued pushing through obstacles, remaining selfless to achieve goals even though they might be challenging,” said Vivia.
Achievements That Inspire
President of the VICTAI Youth Aviation Club and Digital Technology Assistant
Virgin Islands Chapter Youth Tuskegee Airmen Inc. (VICTAI): Youth President
Vice President of the National Mathematics Honor Society
Member of Girls Who Code, National Science and English Honor Societies, and the Ninety-Nines International Women Pilots
Volunteer with the St. Croix National Park Service and Marine Park
Athlete in swimming and cross-country track and field
Voices of Support
“A dedicated and self-motivated student who excels academically, committed, trustworthy, intelligent, respectable, and determined young lady is the student I have come to admire in Vivia Webster.”
— Nicole Girard, Dean of Students, St. Croix Educational Complex
Join Us in Giving History a Future
Vivia’s journey is powered by the generosity of donors like you. Help us continue to uplift young leaders who honor the Tuskegee Airmen’s legacy through excellence, service, and innovation.
To learn more about the Founders of Tuskegee Airmen Scholarship Foundation click HERE..
Previous Spotlights
Applicants can locate their nearest chapter by entering their zip code HERE.
Information regarding the 2025-26 scholarship cycle is now posted. visit: Tuskegee Airmen Scholarship Information: https://www.taisf.org/scholarship-information.html.
To learn more about the Founders of Tuskegee Airmen Scholarship Foundation click HERE.