2020 Scholarship Winner – Anna Hornick

“A person never truly dies until their spirit is completely forgotten and the last person who they’ve touched has perished. So long as we continue to keep the spirit alive, it continues to serve the world.” – Jarard Paige, J. Elliot Marketing

Serving the World by Paying It Forward

In 2012, J. Elliot Marketing in partnership with Women in Aviation International (WAI) announced the $2,500 Christine Reed Memorial Flight Scholarship. Christine passed away before she was able to reach her dream of becoming a private pilot. So to keep her spirit alive, J. Elliot Marketing offers an annual scholarship to women ages 16-30 who have already soloed and are working towards their initial pilot certificate.

Meet Anna Hornick – 2020 Scholarship Recipient

In January 2020, the seventh scholarship recipient was selected – Ms. Anna Hornick (Poplar Grove, IL) – a high school senior and student pilot on a mission to eventually become a naval aviator. Take a moment to learn more about this dynamic and well-rounded young lady, who has learned very early-on the importance of understanding self, as one endures challenges along the way to their dreams.

 

Now that you’ve been awarded the scholarship, how might it help you to achieve your dreams?

This scholarship will help me complete my Private Pilot License. My dream is to fly for the United States Navy or Marine Corps after college. Earning my license now will not only allow me to build time before flight school, but it will also set me apart from my peers and be one step ahead.

 

You’re the first high school student to be awarded this scholarship. What are your plans after you graduate high school in May 2020?

After high school, I plan to attend the United States Naval Academy. I have always been passionate about math and science, so I would like to major in engineering. I believe math and science play a large role in understanding the physics behind flying. So becoming knowledgeable in this field will only make me a better pilot. I also think about the possibility of someday being a test pilot where I might be able to combine my engineering and pilot skills.

Sports seem to play a big part in your life outside of academics and your many other extracurricular activities. How have your experiences in sports helped to prepare you for your experiences in the cockpit?

As a defensive volleyball player, I learned to read the other team. I looked to see how they set up their offense and how I could arrange my position on the court to be prepared for their next play. This can easily translate to flying because you always want to stay alert and ahead of the plane. You want to be able to predict the plane’s next move and know how to react to it.

What’s the most exciting life moment you’ve experienced that strongly impacted your interest in aviation?

It is hard to pick one moment that has strongly impacted my interest in aviation. But I can say that my dad, who is a pilot, has played a significant role in my passion for flying. He first took me up when I was just three years old as a reward for being potty trained! While growing up, my family went to many airshows where my dad would perform formation aerobatics, and I even got to ride with him to some of the shows. This experience inspired me and made me fall in love with airplanes and flying. At airshows, I saw all of the different opportunities in aviation, including flying for the United States military, and knew it was something I wanted to pursue.

What has been the most challenging part of your flight training?

Flying in general, did not come easy for me. But I think the challenges that come with flying are what drew me in. One significant challenge for me was learning how to correct for a crosswind landing. It was difficult for me to find the right amount of rudder to counteract for the aileron into the wind. After a lot of practice, the movements started to feel more natural. I am still not a pro but I gained a better feel for how to balance the two controls out when there is a crosswind.

What has been the most thrilling aspect of your flight training?

The most thrilling aspect of my flight training was my first solo. I had 12 hours of practice with my instructor before I soloed. I admit I was a little nervous, but at the same time I felt so confident in my knowledge and abilities that I was beyond excited. The first take-off was exhilarating. I lifted off the ground so quickly and it was just me and the plane flying into the sunset. I was in complete control. It was up to me, and only me to land the plane. After I finished my three take-offs and landings, I felt so accomplished. And not to mention my instructor, parents, and other supportive faces were on the ground to congratulate me. I will never forget this momentous day! 

If you could look ahead 10 years and list all of the accomplishments you wish to achieve (both in an and out of the cockpit), what would you list?

In the next 10 years, I want to:

  • graduate from the United States Naval Academy with a degree in engineering

  • earn my wings and fly anything the Navy or Marine Corps offers me

  • save up and buy my own Piper Cub (the plane I soloed in)

  • buy a home on an airport with my brothers and parents

  • travel (go to Australia, ski in Lake Tahoe, rent a sailboat, and go on an African safari)

 

J. Elliot Marketing is proud to have Anna as the 7th recipient of the Christine Reed Memorial Flight Scholarship and looks forward to offering this scholarship annually. By helping others reach their dreams, J. Elliot Marketing keeps Christine’s spirit alive. Perhaps this minor step serves to inspire others to think of ways they can share their passions with the world and find ways to pay it forward.