Forrest Jones, a dedicated aviation maintenance professional, made a substantial and significant contribution to aviation in Alaska during his 40 years of involvement. Jones' innovative thinking and common-sense approach to everyday problems were role models for both subordinates and peers. His maintenance philosophy of "fixing it right, by the book" further instilled a high degree of professionalism in his subordinates and reflects the integrity of any maintenance program for which Jones was responsible. The Forrest Jones Memorial Scholarship is both a continuing recognition of a beloved friend and co-worker, as well as a guide and support future Alaskan aviation professionals.

The 2005 Forrest Jones Memorial Scholarship recipients are: Max Hightower, Adrianne Christensen, Zazell Staheli and Kara Hansen.

Max Hightower

Formerly a student at West Valley High School in Fairbanks, Hightower has been accepted at the University of Alaska Anchorage, intending to pursue aviation as a career. He currently holds a private pilot's license and is just a few hours short of his instrument rating. Hightower's interests are the outdoors, baseball and aviation history. His high school U.S. history teacher wrote, "He is able to comprehend the most complex issues and discuss them intelligently both in his written and oral work." Qualifying for the competitive hockey team while holding down a full course load, Hightower's passion is to remain here and fly for an Alaskan company.

Adrianne Christensen

A graduate of Wasilla High School, Christensen started her aviation career in September 2000 working in fleet service grooming aircraft for PenAir. Christensen is qualified as a reserve flight attendant, has worked as a liaison between maintenance and dispatch as an operations agent in traffic management, and recently accepted a job in Dillingham as the air taxi supervisor. Her overall 3.38 grade point average is impressive while going to school and working. Christensen's goal is to obtain her master's degree and continue her career in aviation.

Zazell Staheli

Born in Kotzebue and raised in the community of Kiana, Staheli currently attends the University of Alaska Fairbanks. A former Miss Teen Arctic, who used flying as her talent (Staheli holds a commercial pilot's license), she still has time to volunteer for the Kiana Fire Department, facilitate cultural exchange between youth and elders, be active in her church and succeed academically with a 4.0 GPA. Recognized for her leadership, Julie Kitka, president of the Alaska Federation of Natives, stands behind her as "an emerging Alaska Native leader." State Rep. Reggie Joule said, "... responsibility came at a very early age ... Her can-do attitude, commitment to task and dedication to family and community has made me proud."

Kara Hansen

Three and a half years ago Hansen began the costly road of pilot training and now works as a flight instructor for Aero Tech Flight Service in Anchorage. Perseverance and dedication has been Hansen's strong suit as she completes her professional aeronautics degree at Embry-Riddle University. Making many sacrifices, sometimes working two or three jobs to pay for her education, her determination to be in the aviation industry continues to progress and is one of her major goals. After gaining flight time in Western Alaska, Hansen hopes to work for a larger air carrier someday.