Supporting local communities is one of Duncan Aviation's core values. One way the company invests in its communities is through the children of its team members. For 27 years, Duncan Aviation has advanced the futures of students through the Karen K. Duncan Scholarship program.

"In honor of my mother's strong belief in education, the Karen K. Duncan Scholarship Program was started to help Duncan Aviation team members fund post-secondary education expenses for their kids," says Todd Duncan, Chairman of Duncan Aviation. "In the 27 years since we started this program, 442 scholarships totaling $2,118,750 have been awarded."

All dependent children of full-time Duncan Aviation team members who are entering a two-year or four-year college program or technical school in the fall of 2025 were eligible. Each scholarship winner will receive up to $5,000 for his or her college education—$1,250 a semester for up to four semesters.

An independent committee reviewed applicants' essays and assigned point values to them. Students also earned points for academic achievement, leadership, citizenship, career goals, and extracurricular activities.

The following students from local communities will receive the 2025 scholarships that together could total up to $105,000.

Amery, Wisconsin

Cora Waterman, daughter of Timothy and Holly Waterman

As a student at Amery High School in Amery, Wisconsin, Cora has been involved in choir, FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders), Kinship, World Language Club, and volleyball. For the last four years, she has volunteered at the local food pantry, mentored students through the Kinship program, and served with St. Joseph's Church. She also had an internship at the local newspaper. Writing is a passion for Cora and her goal is to be a freelance writer after completing her degree in Applied and Professional Writing in 2029 from Winona State University in Winona, Minnesota.

Augusta, Michigan

Madielyn Smith, daughter of Trevor and Melissa Smith

Madielyn is graduating this May from Gull Lake High School, where she was active in National Honors Society and soccer. She spent many volunteer hours making tie-dye blankets, crocheting baby blankets, and participating in numerous fundraisers. She will pursue a degree in Engineering from Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Battle Creek, Michigan

Andrew Hill, son of Sean and Karey Hill

In June, Andrew will graduate from Pennfield High School after a high school career of participating in golf, the National Honors Society, the Academic Top Ten, and volunteering many hours through his church. He plans to pursue a Data Science degree through Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek.

Karlee Gutsue, daughter of Mikeal II and Kelly Gutsue

This fall, Karlee plans to pursue a degree in Business Management at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. She graduates this May from Lakeview High School and was active throughout high school with tennis, basketball, volleyball, DECA, InvenTeam, and the National Honors Society. She was also a member of the Battle Creek Symphony.

Beatrice, Nebraska

Addisyn Baxa, daughter of Anthony and Jaclyn Baxa

Addisyn graduated this spring from Beatrice High School after a high school career active in band, choir, cross country, swim and dive, Key Club, Hosa, and the National Honors Society. She was devoted to volunteering in the community through church activities, the food pantry, volunteer swim lessons, and various fundraisers. This fall, Addisyn plans to study Communication Disorders at the University of Nebraska-Kearney.

Jaedyn Baxa, daughter of Anthony and Jaclyn Baxa

Jaedyn graduated this spring from Beatrice High School and plans to major in Exercise Science at the University of Nebraska–Kearney, with the goal of continuing her education at the University of Nebraska Medical Center to become a Physical Therapist. While in high school, Jaedyn participated in numerous activities, including First Edition Show Choir, Limited Edition Show Choir, Concert Choir, Concert Band, Marching Band, Leadership Class, Cross Country, BNFF Swim and Dive, Track and Field, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Key Club, Science Club, Health Occupation Students of America, and National Honors Society. She was also active in the community, taking part in a variety of events ranging from church activities to swim lessons and child care. During high school, Jaedyn broke the school record in the 200 free relay at state prelims.

Kalamazoo, Michigan

Violet Kaplan-Neumann, daughter of Richard Neumann and Lisa Kaplan

Violet graduated this spring from Loy Norrix High School, Kalamazoo Area Math and Science Center. She plans to pursue a degree in Biology at Kalamazoo College, with the goal of specializing in Neuroscience or Human Genetics. Violet hopes to use her education to benefit her community and improve the lives of those around her. During high school, she served as team captain for her Interscholastic Equestrian Association team, participated in both marching and concert band, was a member of the National Honors Society, and served as Treasurer for the Kalamazoo Area Math and Science Center. In addition, Violet was a dedicated Puppy Raiser for Paws with a Cause for four years.

Lincoln, Nebraska

lexia McDonald, daughter of Austin and Tatjana McDonald

Alexia will graduate this spring from Lincoln North Star High School and plans to attend Bryan College of Health Sciences to pursue a degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. She hopes to help as many people as possible through a career in a hospital or clinic setting. During high school, Alexia completed both an Independent Senior Research Project and an Independent Junior Research Project, the latter of which earned her first place at the Nebraska Junior Academy of Sciences science fair. She also participated in the Educational Talent Search program. Outside of academics, Alexia was a member of the Dungeons and Dragons club, volunteered at the Loren C. Eiseley Branch Library—where she also served on the Teen Advisory Board—provided landscaping assistance for the elderly, and was a regular blood donor.

Anna Nguyen, daughter of Nhat Nguyen and Jennifer Phan

Anna will graduate this spring from Lincoln High School and plans to attend the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where she will major in Pre-Health with the goal of becoming a doctor. While in high school, Anna participated in the International Baccalaureate program, which allowed her to explore a range of academic subjects before discovering her passion for medicine. She was also a member of the National Honors Society, the dance team, volleyball team, Math Club, HOSA, and DECA. In addition, she served on the Link Crew and was an Assistant Dance Club Sponsor.

Ella Beaudette, daughter of Jeff and Melissa Beaudette

Ella graduated this spring from Lincoln Northeast High School. She was involved in numerous school activities such as volleyball, swimming, track, journalism, Northeast Activity Student Advisory, and National Honors Society. She dedicated her time to many volunteer hours in activities that included Perishing Pals, Youth Group, School Campus Clean-Up, mission trips, and various other events. This fall, Ella plans on continuing her education at the University of Nebraska at Kearney to major in Business.

Jackson Nail, son of Troy Nail and Heather Schmidt

In May, Jackson will be graduating from Lincoln Southwest High School. He was involved with the baseball team while attending high school. He was a volunteer in his community at the local library and has strengths of problem-solving and curiosity. Jackson plans on attending University of Nebraska at Lincoln in the fall to pursue a degree in Actuarial Sciences.

Keira Olson, daughter of Eric and Jennifer Olson

This fall, Keira plans to attend University of Nebraska at Lincoln to earn her degree in Early Childhood Education, specifically to be a preschool or nursey teacher. She will graduate from Lincoln East High School in May. She was an active participant in show choir, band, slam poetry, concert choir, theater, pep band, and color guard throughout her time in high school. Keira gave back to her community by volunteering in girl scouts, boy scouts, the church nursery, and the foster care closet.

Lana Alqaraghuli, daughter of Ali Alqaraghuli and Linh Abdulrahman

Lana attended Lincoln Southwest High School where she will graduate in May. She focused highly on academics and participated in her school activities by being named captain of the soccer team multiple years. While attending school she was also giving back to her community by volunteering for the Salvation Army, Toys for Tots, and Duncan Aviation events. This fall, Lana plans on attending University of Nebraska at Lincoln where she will begin her career in the medical field by majoring in Pre-Health.

Madelyn Krupka, daughter of Craig and Heather Krupka

Maddy will graduate from Lincoln High School in May 2025, and then pursue a 4-year Nursing degree. Spending years watching a childhood friend struggle with inconsistent care during flare-ups of sickle cell disease cemented Maddy's desire to serve in communities that lack sufficient medical infrastructure. She hopes to use her nursing skills traveling to areas with vulnerable populations, those affected by natural disasters, and areas with a shortage of medical professionals. Maddy has lived out her desire to help vulnerable people with her three years of volunteer work at Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach, serving as a group leader on a mission trip to Guatemala where she helped build homes for impoverished families, and serving on the Children, Youth, and Family Ministries Board at First Plymouth Church. In addition to her years of involvement and letters earned in Lincoln High's Theater department, she also served for four years on the Feminists for Change Club, co-founded the Spanish Conversation Club, and volunteered as a peer tutor.

Platte Center, Nebraska

Alexandria Renninger, daughter of Brandon Dietrich

Alex plans to study Agricultural Education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and fulfill her goals of becoming a first-generation college graduate and a high-school agriculture teacher. Having been a member and an officer in FAA (Future Farmers of America), she would like to return to Humphrey or another small town because she loves being a part of a small-town community. Throughout high school, Alex was on the cheer team, captaining the team for two of four years, and she was also on the dance team. Although she worked part-time at a home daycare, she found time during her busy schedule to study hard enough to make the honor roll all four years, get inducted into National Honors Society, and earn the Youth Salute Award for Recognition of High Scholastic Honors and Leadership Ability. Among her many activities, Alex served on Student Council and as Club VP for 4-H, played in her high school's band, and took several college classes.

Raymond, Nebraska

Aria Ferguson, daughter of Benjamin and Rebekah Ferguson

Aria plans to study Biology at Concordia University and pursue a career as a radiology technician. Although she'd like to serve an internship at Seward Memorial Hospital while attending college, she knows she'll also be busy performing with Concordia's A Capella choir. An overriding impetus in her career dream is to serve others, particularly to improve lives. The pain and discomfort of a close friend who had a tumor in her spine and lower back when they were in just 7th grade shocked Aria, but what was especially distressing was that she had no ideas or tools to help alleviate her friend's suffering and help her recover. She's been motivated ever since to learn, attending area career fairs for health care employers, reading and learning about all health-care related fields, and networking with as many healthcare professionals as she could. Her high school years were spent engaged in numerous activities and clubs, including Competitive Speech, Choir, FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), Volleyball, and National Honors Society. Additionally, Aria donated her time freely to many volunteer organizations including Soul Quest Community Service, Foodnet, her church's Youth Group, and the popular Branched Oak Spooktacular.

Brooke Munford, daughter of Todd and Sharon Munford

Brooke plans to attend Bryan College of Health Sciences and earn a Bachelor's Degree in Diagnostic and Vascular Sonography. Although a challenging course of study, Brooke's high school career prepared her for the demands. She participated in several groups, including the Spanish Club, FBLA, and FFA; played volleyball and ran cross country, earning NCPA Academic All State Girls Cross Country honors her sophomore year; served on Student Council for three years; and was inducted into the National Honors Society. A defining moment in Brooke's young life came when she was injured playing volleyball, suffering a concussion. Instead of giving her brain time to heal from the injury, she continued to play, not realizing how that would change her life. She then had to learn to live every day with constant headaches, which taught her that just one moment and one decision can have a huge impact on the rest of your life.

Seward, Nebraska

Hannah Colfack, daughter of Eric and Melanie Sanner

During all four years as an Honor Roll student at Seward High School in Seward, Hannah Colfack kept very busy participating in music, choir, dance, and volleyball. She also committed to giving back to others by volunteering for several community groups. Hannah plans to attend the University of Omaha, to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education.

Madison Sides, daughter of MaryAnn Sides and the late Brad Sides

Throughout her four years at Seward High School in Seward, Madison was deeply immersed in music. She was involved in nearly every musical opportunity available, actively participating in show choir, select choir, school musicals, music contests, and All-State Chorus. She also dedicated her time to the National Honor Society, FCA, softball, and basketball. This fall, Madison will pursue her passion for music education at Doane University.

McKenna Sides, daughter of MaryAnn Sides and the late Brad Sides

With a passion for providing quality patient healthcare to rural communities facing high demand for medical professionals, McKenna is set to study Human Biology and Psychology at Chadron State College. Her dedication was demonstrated by her four years of active participation and leadership roles in National Honors Society, FFA, FBLA, and FCA at Seward High School in Seward. She also balanced these commitments with involvement in basketball and Varsity softball.

Vicksburg, Michigan

Lauren Zahnow, daughter of Chuck and Erin Zahnow

Lauren Zahnow actively engaged in various school and community activities throughout her four years at Vicksburg High School. She participated in National Honors Society, Student Senate, track, cheerleading, and both marching and symphonic bands. She demonstrated a strong commitment to service by volunteering with her church Youth Group, children's programs at church, a local elementary school, hurricane relief in Florida, and Red Cross Blood Drives. After graduating, Lauren will first study Exercise Science with a pre-occupational therapy track at Spring Arbor University, where she will continue volunteering in an elementary school. Her path will then lead her to Western Michigan University for a doctorate in Occupational Therapy, allowing her to fulfill her goal of becoming a Pediatric Occupational Therapist in an elementary school.