20 Students Earn 2026 Karen K. Duncan Scholarship
Duncan Aviation announces the twenty recipients of the 2026 Karen K. Duncan Scholarship as the company invests in its communities through the children of its team members.
“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 28 years since we started this program, 463 scholarships totaling $2,223,750 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 2026 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 Duncan Aviation's local communities will receive the 2026 scholarships, totaling up to $100,000.
Abie, NE
Aubrey Johnson, daughter of Jessica and Jesse Johnson — A senior at David City High School in David City, NE, Aubrey has been actively involved in yearbook, student council, National Honor Society, one-act crew, FCCLA, and school ambassador programs. She has taken on leadership roles as yearbook editor and student council co-president, showing a strong dedication to both her school and her peers. Outside of school, Aubrey has given her time to her community by volunteering at the Red Cross Blood Drive, clothing drives, local events through Abie Forever Committee, and the Blue Valley Food Pantry. Future plans for Aubrey are to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Lincoln, NE, where she will double major in sports media and communications as well as advertising and public relations. She hopes to build a career in sports photography or advertising.
Battle Creek, MI
Hannan Lehman, daughter of Rebekah and Dan Lehman — After graduating from Harper Creek and Battle Creek Area Mathematics & Science Center, Hannan plans to attend the Kalamazoo Community College for an associate degree in science and then move on to Michigan State University for a bachelor’s degree in animal sciences. She plans to earn her veterinarian degree and specialize as an emergency vet. Hannan’s extremely active high school years included time as a veterinary intern at the Dickman Road Vet Clinic, Beadle Lake Vet Clinic, and at the Athens Veterinary Services. She played JV tennis, was on student council, and participated in theater and the Youth Alliance Committee. One of her most influential memories was of a road trip her family took to the Western United States where she experienced just how expansive the world could be, felt dry heat, and saw mountains and bison for the first time.
Burr, NE
Trevin Huskey, son of Angie and Nick Huskey — Trevin will graduate this spring from Johnson County Central High School and plans to attend Iowa Western Community College to pursue a degree in aviation maintenance technology. He intends to earn his airframe and powerplant certifications and build a career as an aviation maintenance technician, with the long-term goal of working for Duncan Aviation. During high school, Trevin was highly involved in a wide range of activities including band, choir, FBLA, SkillsUSA, student council, National Honor Society, cross country, wrestling, track, and one-act productions. He also held multiple leadership roles, serving as a team captain in cross country, wrestling and track, as well as vice president of SkillsUSA. In addition to his school involvement, Trevin dedicated significant time to his community through church activities, youth programs, local service projects, and volunteering efforts that totaled more than 160 hours. A summer internship at Duncan Aviation further strengthened his passion for aviation and confirmed his career path.
Ceresco, MI
Natalie Gunn, daughter of Janey and Stephen Gunn — This spring, Natalie will graduate from Pennfield High School and the Battle Creek Area Math & Science Center and plans to study business management at Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, MI, with the ultimate goal of one day opening her own Scooter’s Coffee franchise. During her time in high school, she has been active in the National Honor Society and student government and has volunteered at events including Mother-Son Date Night, Cereal Fest, Fridays at the Fountain, and Trunk-or-Treat at Duncan Aviation.
Crete, NE
Evan Keller, son of Andrea and Kirk Keller — After his May graduation, Evan plans to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Active in trap, Future Farmers of America, Quiz Bowl and band, Evan also made time to volunteer at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, donate blood, and join various groups picking up trash. He hopes to eventually design aircraft systems that are easier to operate and are more affordable. His faith is important to him, and if he could ask anyone for advice, it would be Pope Leo XIV. With the help of a caring teacher, Evan was able to overcome heavy self-doubt while taking a college calculus class and realized with the effort he’s willing to put in, his dreams of becoming an engineer are within his reach.
Gretna, NE
Emily McKain, daughter of Stacy and Mark McKain — This fall, Emily plans to pursue a degree in biological sciences from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and she’d like to finish her bachelor’s degree early so she can start working on a master’s degree in genetic counseling. During the last four years, while working as a volunteer at the Gretna Neighbors Food Pantry, Emily earned college credit for a number of courses, was inducted into the National Honor Society, participated in marching band, and was a member of the German National Honor Society and the German Club at Gretna High School. She’d especially like to ask Olympic gold-medal figure skater Alysa Liu how she handles stress and pressure, all while appearing to have fun and not worry what other people think.
Hallam, NE
Preston Ozenbaugh, son of Nancy and Phillip Ozenbaugh — This spring, Preston will graduate from Norris High School and plans to attend the University of Nebraska–Lincoln to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering, where he can combine creativity and technical skills to solve real-world problems. During his time in high school, Preston played football and competed in track and field. He was actively involved as vice president of Future Business Leaders of America and a member of the National Honor Society. He also volunteered with his youth group, served on his church council, and spent time volunteering at a nursing home.
Kalamazoo, MI
Joseph Roethlisberger, son of Jen and Ted Roethlisberger — Joseph was a multi-sport athlete throughout all four years at Mattawan High School, competing at the highest levels in lacrosse, alpine skiing, and tennis, while earning memberships in both the National Honor Society and the National Technical Honor Society. Outside of school activities, he remained active in community service at the local food pantry and concession stand. He will attend Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI, this fall to study electrical engineering and hopefully continue his lacrosse career.
Lansing, KS
Jaden Dale, son of Angie and Steve Dale — During his time at Lansing High School, Jaden was a talented student-athlete who fully immersed himself in the arts and athletics. He balanced a rigorous musical schedule spanning concert, marching, and jazz bands as well as choir, alongside participation in cross country, powerlifting, and tennis. While volunteering in his community, he frequently performed with local ensembles and was active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and church youth group. Jaden will now head to Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS, to pursue a degree in music education and performance.
Lincoln, NE
Owen Berg, son of Sarah and Andrew Berg — This spring, Owen will graduate from Lincoln North Star High School and plans to study journalism and mass communications at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. During his time in high school, he played basketball and football and was involved in the National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, and yearbook. He also worked as a videographer and photographer for North Star athletics. In addition, Owen volunteered at the Duncan Aviation Make-A-Wish Charity Car Show and the Peoples City Mission.
Mai Jacobo, daughter of Naoko Fujimoto and David Jacobo — This spring, Mai will graduate from Lincoln North Star High School and plans to pursue global studies at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. During her time in high school, she has been actively involved in the Lincoln Youth Symphony, varsity swim team, chamber orchestra, marching band, National Honor Society, mariachi band, and musical pit orchestra. In addition to her extracurricular activities, Mai has volunteered at UNL swim meets, Lincoln North Star performing arts booster events, her church string ensemble, and the Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach.
Steven Nguyen, son of Thuy and Pau Nguyen — Steven will graduate this spring from Lincoln High School and plans to attend the University of Nebraska–Lincoln to pursue a degree in civil engineering. He hopes to build a career improving the community he grew up in, with a particular interest in contributing to infrastructure and city development. During high school, Steven was involved in Upward Bound, Math Club, Key Club, and TeamMates. He also gave back to his community through Link Crew and volunteering with the Malone Center. In addition, Steven gained hands-on experience through an engineering internship with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where he developed both technical knowledge and professional skills. Motivated by his family’s journey and support, he is committed to working hard and making a meaningful impact in his field.
Sophia Ramsey, daughter of Amy and Colby Ramsey — Sophia will graduate this spring from Lincoln Southwest High School and plans to attend the University of Nebraska–Lincoln to pursue a degree in pre-health, with the goal of becoming a registered nurse. Inspired by a lifelong interest in healthcare and helping others, she hopes to work in an intensive care unit before continuing her education to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). During high school, Sophia was involved in Student Ambassadors, STAC, National Honor Society, and spent four years on the dance team. She was also active in her community, volunteering at an elementary school, serving in her church nursery, and participating in youth group activities. Sophia is passionate about building meaningful connections with others and is committed to using her education to make a positive impact in patients’ lives.
Brennen Wales, son of Carrie and Brad Wales — At Lincoln Southeast High School in Lincoln, NE, Brennen has been involved in archery, jazz band, orchestra, karate, and Scouts. He has earned honors in archery competitions and maintains strong academic performance with honor-roll distinction. In addition to school activities, he has contributed to his community through service projects such as neighborhood cleanups, volunteering at local hospitals, assisting with holiday events, and supporting Meals on Wheels. After graduation, Brennen will attend South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City, SD, to pursue a degree in metallurgical engineering.
Emily Williams, daughter of Jennifer and Mark Williams — Emily is leaning toward a degree in early childhood education, and she plans to attend Union Adventist University this fall. She took a gap year after her graduation from College View Academy to explore her career options. As a member of National Honor Society, Project Impact, and the editor/assistant editor of the yearbook, Emily also participated in volunteer activities in high school, including as an assistant leader for Vacation Bible School at the SDA in Placerville, CA. As an organized, creative young woman, she’s self-sufficient but would love to expand her social circle in college. Aware of the potential for damage caused by the constant stimulation of digital media, Emily would seek the counsel of the kind, patient, empathic Mr. Rogers on how to halt and reverse this damage.
Milford, NE
Alayna Tvrdy, daughter of Laura Gain and Maria and Nathaniel Tvrdy — Alayna attends Milford High School in Milford, NE, where she has been highly involved in music and leadership activities. She has participated in band, show choir, jazz band, and various honor ensembles, earning multiple awards and recognition throughout her high school career. In addition to her musical involvement, she has taken on leadership roles through student council, FCCLA, and many other school organizations. Outside of school, Alayna is always helping out in her community through 4-H, volunteering, and organizing events. She has contributed her time to service projects, workshop, and local initiatives, often taking on leadership roles and helping others learn new skills. Music is a passion for Alayna, and her plan is pursue a career in music performance and education after getting her degree in music at University of Nebraska-Omaha in Omaha, NE.
Madelyn Saltzman, daughter of Sonya and Jay Saltzman — During her time at Milford High School in Milford, NE, Madelyn was an active student who explored a mix of creative and athletic pursuits. She brought her energy to the volleyball court, the pep band, the school musical, and the Art Club. Deeply committed to helping others, she dedicated her free time to church youth-group activities, faith-based mission trips, summer camps, and local outreach through the I Heart LNK community service program. Madelyn plans to attend Southeast Community College to study surgical technology.
Omaha, NE
Julaine Simmons, daughter of Kim and Jeff Simmons — Julaine attended Westview High School in Bennington, NE, where she excelled in academics, athletics, leadership, and community service. She competed in varsity softball, tennis and cheerleading, mentored peers through the LINK program, and participated in student government and speech and debate. She is passionate about STEM and has competed in high-level challenges such as the UNO Math Competition, the S.A.M.E. (Society of American Military Engineers) Competition, and the CIRT National Engineering and ACE Design competitions. Her commitment to serving others is reflected in her involvement at church — serving on the worship team, teaching Sunday School, and working with youth groups — as well as in her volunteer efforts with Unified Cheer, special-needs proms, and local tornado recovery clean-ups. Julaine will attend the University of Kansas to pursue a degree in aerospace engineering.
Seward, NE
Ava Stutzman, daughter of Kiann and Brandon Stutzman — Ava is a student at Seward High School in Seward, NE, where she has been involved in basketball, softball, FCA, and National Honor Society. She has earned multiple honors in both basketball and softball, including all-state and all-conference recognition. Along with her athletic involvement, she has taken on leadership roles such as mentoring middle-school students and working as a camp counselor. Outside of school, Ava stays active in her community through youth group, sports camps, and mission trips. Ava plans to attend Wayne State College in Wayne, NE, after graduation to study elementary education, with the goal of becoming a teacher and potentially coaching in the future.
Wahoo, NE
William Mortensen, son of Lori and Michael Mortensen — William will graduate this spring from Wahoo High School and plans to attend the University of Nebraska-Omaha to pursue a degree in criminology. He aspires to serve his community as a law enforcement officer, with long-term goals of working at the federal level to make a broader impact. During high school, William was involved in cross country, marching and concert band, and National Honor Society, and served as percussion captain. He also distinguished himself in academics and the arts, earning recognition in poetry competitions, including a first-place finish at a school competition and a second-place award at the State Poetry Out Loud contest. In addition to his school activities, William was active in his community through his church youth group and volunteer efforts. With strong communication skills and a passion for serving others, he is committed to making a positive difference in his community through a career in law enforcement.
For more information about Duncan Aviation, visit duncanaviation.aero.