PATUXENT RIVER, MD—On June 4, 2025, the Marine Corps Aviation Association, John Glenn Squadron (MCAA JGS) in Patuxent River awarded merit-based scholarships to 12 high school seniors from Southern Maryland’s tri-county area for the 2024-2025 academic year. Selected for their academic excellence and community service, the recipients will pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) degrees, aligning with the legacy of late Sen. John Glenn to advance aviation and defense initiatives.
The scholarship winners, representing five local high schools, visited Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) at Patuxent River Naval Air Station on June 4 for a tour of aircraft facilities, including the MQ-9 Reaper, P-8A Poseidon, and CH-53K King Stallion helicopter. The tour aimed to expose students to civilian career opportunities in engineering and science at NAVAIR.
Sgt. Maj. Jacob Rozelle, scholarship committee chair and member of the Marine Aviation Detachment, organized the visit to inspire the students. “I wanted to encourage these talented scholarship winners to consider future careers here in Southern Maryland,” Rozelle said. “My hope is by showcasing cutting-edge aircraft here aboard Pax, and more impressive civilian human capital behind them, that the students will be inspired to apply for internships and pursue future careers at NAVAIR after college.”
During the tour, students observed advanced aircraft and engaged with professionals. Leslie Leigh, CH-53K drive systems lead for the H-53 Heavy Lift Helicopter program office (PMA-261), highlighted the variety of roles at NAVAIR. “If you have an interest, NAVAIR probably has it,” Leigh said. “There is never a dull moment in my job.” She explained that careers in contracts, policy, legal, maintenance, testing, and engineering are vital to NAVAIR’s programs.
Joshua Lewis, a flight test engineer for the MQ-9, emphasized collaboration. “Communication is important with coworkers and friends in order to be effective as you collaborate every day,” Lewis said. Both Leigh and Lewis secured their NAVAIR positions through college career fairs, where they connected with recruiters and discussed their interests, leading to interviews and employment.
Katherine Tonnell, a flight test engineer and former MCAA JGS scholarship recipient, shared her journey. “I took advantage of the scholarship and internship programs NAVAIR had to offer. Be ambitious and proactive when it comes to your future,” Tonnell said. She advised students to “expand your reach and exposure by volunteering in various areas related or unrelated to your degree.”
Rozelle clarified that NAVAIR’s workforce is accessible to civilians. “This installation shouldn’t intimidate you as a student or a civilian seeking employment simply because you aren’t in the military,” he said. “Less than ten percent of the workforce here is uniformed service members.”
Since 2005, MCAA JGS has awarded 165 scholarships totaling $694,000 to support local students. The 2024-2025 recipients are: Adam Nilsson, Braden Gutekunst, Emily Johnson, Eliza Szymendera, Alexandria Dickens, and Sadie Swift from Great Mills High School; Owen Sutor, Madeline Chen, and Ava Cotroneo from Leonardtown High School; Aidan Moreland from Huntingtown High School; Brett Sheranko from Patuxent High School; and Evan Greer from Ryken High School. They will be honored at a ceremony on June 23 at the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum.
The MCAA JGS scholarship program fosters connections between Marine Corps aviation, Naval Aviation Acquisition and Test communities, industry partners, and Southern Maryland. By investing in STEM education, the squadron supports the next generation of innovators in aviation and defense, continuing Sen. John Glenn’s legacy.
The tour and scholarship awards underscore NAVAIR’s role as a hub for technological advancement and career opportunities. Students left the visit with a deeper understanding of the engineering and teamwork behind modern aircraft, potentially shaping their future career paths in Southern Maryland.
