The 2004 Pratt & Whitney Golden Eagle Scholarship Award Winners

Though only 18 years old, Roy has amassed an impressive list of accomplishments, including a first place finish in his school’s science fair for designing and building a high performance rocket. Roy is the first African American to gain Level 1 and Level 2 certification for high-powered rocketry in a single day. His Level 2 certification entitles him to purchase and fly high-powered rockets. He is the recipient of the 2004 Gold Medal in general physics from the NAACP’s Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO).

Roy’s love of science and aeronautics helped him to overcome personal tragedy, including the death of his father. “Before his death he told me to never give up on my dreams even if he could not be there to help me,” said Roy, who will attend Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach. “I know that he would be proud of my accomplishments and I will continue to persevere as a tribute to his memory.”

Under the terms of the scholarship Roy will receive $5,000 each year for four years. He was presented with his award on Thursday, August 5, 2004 during the Youth Luncheon at the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. Convention in Omaha, Nebraska.

Pratt & Whitney, a United Technologies (NYSE: UTX) company, is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines.