Air Show Names Essay Contest Winners

World-renowned aerobatic performer and unlimited aerobatic champion, Greg Poe, will give 13-year-old Kathryn Tenbarge of Cincinnati, Ohio and 13-year-old Kyle Matt, of Springfield, Ohio the chance of a lifetime, that of flying with him in his Ethanol-Powered MX2 show plane.

The two Ohio youths are the first place winners of the Elevate Your Life essay contest developed by the Vectren Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger and Greg Poe. Second place finishers, Shannon Owsley of Centerville, Ohio and Caleb Car of Waynesville, Ohio will also take to the sky in Poe’s Bonanza, an aircraft used by Poe’s team for the media and crew transportation.

The award-winning students will take their memorable rides on Wednesday, July 14th, at the Dayton International Airport.

Kathryn Tenbarge, who will be an 8th grade student at Sycamore Junior High School, will be attending the first Air Camp in Dayton, the week following the Air Show. Home schooled Kyle Matt, has a passion for aviation as well as a new hobby – fly fishing. Their essays are as follows:

Elevate Your Future by Kyle Matt The powerful engine of the Cessna 180 "Skywagon" roars as I swoop down to count the scattering caribou, across the frozen, Alaskan tundra. This will be "a day at the office" for me when I attain my dream of being a wildlife officer and bush pilot.

In order to obtain this dream, I plan to attend the University of Minnesota, Crookston, and study hard. It is the only school in the U.S. that offers a dual natural resources management and aviation degree. I am working hard now, and saving my money, so I can pay for my college. Also, I am studying diligently now, and keeping my grades up, so I will be prepared for college. In addition to this, I hope to volunteer my time with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The experience and knowledge I could gain would be very helpful in obtaining my dream.

Once I become a wildlife officer and bush pilot, I will do that job to the best of my ability; protecting and ensuring the survival of Alaska's pristine wilderness and wildlife.

Up in the Air by Kathryn Tenbarge

Some people dream of flying, In a plane, or on wings. My dream is similar, but different. I live to dance.

I can soar, On a different type of wings. I can fly, Without going too far from the ground.

I may not have the talent, but I have the drive. I will work until I have reached my goal.

By dancing with power, Power from within. I can hold myself up, I can lift off the ground.

Years must be spent, Time must be given, Effort must be produced. But I live to dance. My dream is to dance with the best of the best. And watch people gaze up at me, with wonder and awe.

Once I can do this, I can fly.