2024 Ross Macpherson Memorial Scholarship Winners

Max Oke - Motueka

Max is a young eagle from Motueka Aero Club and caught the aviation bug early. He joined the Motueka young eagles’ group as soon as he could and comes with an outstanding recommendation from his flight instructor who makes note of Max’s natural ability and finding his groove while flying.

Max works hard to find money for his flying, selling plants in his weekends and doing well to get a job with the local supermarket in Motueka. His hard work has even made the headline in the local newspaper. The judges were impressed by Max’s motivation and drive showing that even in a small town without huge resources behind you, if you’re willing to work hard then anything is possible.

Josh Keenan - Whanganui

Josh is a young eagle from Wanganui Aero Club, with a keen passion for aviation. His grandfather is one of his aviation role models and he seems to be a very busy with flying, sporting, and musical endeavors.

“Smiley” to his friends, Josh excels academically and is currently enrolled in an online Aero Science program. The judges were impressed by his motivation, diligence, and attitude. He has shown an ability to seeks out opportunities even if they don’t always work out, showing great dedication to his goal of becoming a commercial pilot.

Cameron Moffat - North Shore

Cameron is a young eagle form North Shore Aero Club and a junior noncommissioned officer with No. 3 (Auckland City) Squadron, Air Cadets. With a passion for all things aviation, he comes with glowing recommendation from his Young Eagles Coordinator and Cadet Unit Commander.

He’s always keen to help with club events, has flown around 5 hours so far, getting a taste for flying and has dreams of one day becoming a pilot for an air ambulance pilot. The judges were impressed by his enthusiasm, willingness to volunteer at local events and dedication.

Elijah King - Kapiti

Elijah is a young eagle from Kapiti Aero Club and freely admits that at first aviation may not have been a massive passion of his but after a trail flight one day in Dunedin followed by his now 20 plus hours in the air he is hooked.

With dreams of becoming an Air New Zealand A320 Captain the judges were impressed by Elijah’s maturity, sound decision making and outstanding attitude towards safety. Having funded his flying mostly through working part time and having completed all his PPL theory he’s well on his way.

Tomas Brokhals - Canterbury

Tomas is a young eagle from Canterbury Aero Club and by all accounts a very busy young man with commitments with school, young eagles, the Air Cadets, photography, gym, and part time work. His passion for all things aviation is clear having taken part in many events, such as volunteering at flying competitions and having funded all his flying himself.

Tomas has completed all his ab-initio training and is ready to conquer the circuit.  His instructor shared how he was impressed by how well Tomas listens and even when flying is cancelled due to poor weather conditions, his dedication to still come to the aero club for some groundwork. Judges were impressed by Tomas’ strong motivation and determination.