The Props & Hops Selection Committee is thrilled to announce the four recipients of the 2023 Props & Hops Aviation Scholarships: Jacob Boehm, Clint May, Andrew Orstad, and David Pethel. Each recipient received $4,000.
The Seventh Annual Props & Hops event, held last October at the Mandan Aero Center, was attended by over 250 local folks and raised $16,000 for scholarships. The Advanced Pilot Scholarships and Advanced Aviation Maintenance Technician Scholarships were created in honor of North Dakota aviators Mark Sundby and Darrel Pittman, who both recently passed away. Funds are dedicated to helping aspiring pilots and maintenance technicians earn their licenses and start their careers in the aviation industry.
“This accomplishment reflects not only on these young aviator’s academic excellence, but also their commitment to personal growth and community involvement. Our scholarship award winners have passion, drive, and have clearly made a lasting impression on the selection committee.” says Shannon Boehm, a member of the Selection Committee. “We look forward to witnessing their continued success and the positive impact they will undoubtedly make in their academic and professional pursuits.”
Jacob Boehm, Advanced Pilot Scholarship Recipient
Jacob is a native of Mandan, ND, and a current student in the Commercial Aviation program at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, ND. After graduation, he hopes to secure a position as an airline pilot. He is also currently serving as a certified Aircraft Structural Repairman in the North Dakota National Guard.
Andrew Orstad, Advanced Aviation Maintenance Technician Scholarship Recipient Andrew is a Bismarck, ND, native and first year student at Northland Community & Technical College in Thief River Falls, MN. He is pursuing a certification in the Aviation Maintenance & Technician Program. After graduation, he hopes his certification will serve as the foundation for professional growth and development within the aviation industry.
Clint May, Advanced Pilot Scholarship Recipient
Clint served for almost eight years in the United States Army, gaining a background in rotor-wing aviation. He moved back to North Dakota with his family and is currently working as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) in the Bismarck-Mandan area. He plans to obtain his Airplane Multi-Engine Rating to further his understanding and technical aptitude in the aviation industry and as a CFI.
David Pethel, Advanced Aviation Maintenance Technician Scholarship Recipient
David, a native of Jamestown, ND, is currently a student at Lake Area Technical College in Watertown, SD. He has completed his first year of school and earned his airframe license, as well as interned at the Bismarck Aero Center. After he completes the Aviation Maintenance
Technology Program, he plans to move to the Bismarck-Mandan area and work in the aviation industry.
Props & Hops is a state and federally registered 501c3 nonprofit organization that was founded in 2017. The organization’s mission is to bring positive attention to the aviation community by showcasing the benefits that the airport brings to local communities and raise funds for aviation related causes that are tied to Bismarck/Mandan and surrounding area. The organization designates a selection committee, made up of five local aviators, to determine an annual beneficiary within the surrounding aviation community. Props & Hops has been able to donate over $100,000 to selected causes over the years.