One of 40 in the entire United States, Tyler Zehfuss, a senior at CFHS, received the Civil Air Patrol WINGS Scholarship to further his aviation dreams. Zehfuss’ involvement in school activities, sports, academics, along with his community, and efforts within his community to connect and build where he can, made him a stand-out candidate.
Cadets Wings is a merit-based program that is funded through the United States Air Force. They look for well-rounded applicants with an emphasis on those that exert leadership qualities. Zehfuss put forth an effort to be involved in leadership programs and other activities that build leadership skills.
The Civil Air Patrol WINGS Scholarship is designed to help students who want to pursue being a pilot earn their license. The scholarship is between $12,000-$15,000 and will help Tyler fund his training.
There are many requirements, such as a passing FFA Knowledge Test score, Student Pilot Certificate, Wings Commitment Statement, a resume, letters of recommendation, flight plan that outlines training, activities list, and a log book of at least two pages. While these are considered the requirements, the program does consider those students who don’t meet all requirements however, with less priority.
Winning this scholarship will allow Zehfuss to begin commercial flying before his peers will. Zehfuss believes that through his persistent effort in academics, leadership, and athletics, he was a stand-out candidate for the scholarship.
“My ultimate goal is to pursue a career in aviation—whether that means flying for a commercial airline, piloting private charter flights, or serving as a military pilot.”
His dreams in aviation began in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. He visited an airshow and was in awe of the aerobatics and performances. It sparked his growing passion, and after his first flight in a small aircraft, he was set. He dreams of traveling the world with family and friends, with himself as the pilot. Instead of long drives on the road, he wants to see the world in the sky, making long trips much shorter.
Zehfuss, on top of pursuing aviation dreams, is a very well-rounded student. He participates in the Carolina Forest High School Cross Country Team and the CFHS Varsity Track Team. Zehfuss has a hardworking spirit and continues to be a good leader and teammate through his five years on the team.
Coach Haleigh Miller, the head coach of the CFHS Cross Country Team, has worked with Tyler this season to lead the team to success.
“Tyler actively motivates his teammates to perform at their best and is often observed offering encouragement and support when needed. He maintains a consistently positive demeanor, demonstrating respect toward both staff and fellow athletes,” commented Miller.
Along with his athletic extracurriculars, he has many hobbies. He enjoys fishing, working on cars, and traveling as he has been to many places around the world. He also enjoys helping within the community on things like rescue missions and other volunteer work.
“I am very outgoing, I love giving back to the community, and I enjoy bringing people together for something good the most.”
At CFHS, we pride ourselves on building successful students, and Zehfuss is a prime example of one. He has consistently shown hard work and dedication to his future and extracurriculars in and out of the school. Earning the Civil Air Patrol WINGS Scholarship was a huge accomplishment and compliment to his diligentness over the years as a student. CFHS is so proud of his success and are excited to see him achieve his dreams in aviation!
