The National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), Gulf Coast Chapter, in conjunction with NDIA’s Targets, Ranges, and UAVs Division is pleased to announce this year’s winners of the annual Hugh Harris Scholarship Award.  Each recipient received a $1000.00 award.  The Scholarship was established in 1992 in honor of Mr. Harris who was a research and development engineer at Eglin AFB.  He was recognized throughout the Department of Defense and industry for his advanced ideas and contributions in the development of unmanned aerial target vehicle systems. 

Hannah Marie Needleman, Niceville High School, graduated in the top 1% of a class of 500 students.  Her list of accomplishments include being named a National Merit Finalist and an AP Scholar with Honor while completing a rigorous course of study that included 9 Advanced Placement courses, 2 college dual enrollment courses, and 14 honors courses.  She will be attending the University of Florida Honors College and pursuing a major in Engineering.

Thomas Fitzgerald, Choctawhatchee High School, was a member of the International Baccalaureate Program, completed many AP courses and graduated in the top 2% of his class.  He was active in both school and community extracurricular activities including Science Honor; French Honor, National Honor Society; Math Honor Club and varsity football, soccer and weight lifting.  Thomas will be attending the University of Florida where he plans to major in Aerospace Engineering.

Dustin Draper is a graduate of Buena High School, Ventura California where he graduated at the top of his class of 550 students while taking numerous courses at Ventura County Community College and playing on the varsity golf and track teams.  As a result of his academic pursuits, he entered California Polytechnic University with 70 units already completed.  Dustin is majoring in Mechanical Engineering.