05/19/2026
This year we were able to award two Act of Valor scholarships.
IAHS and to one of our own that transfers out his senior year and will be continuing his education at Ramp University.
This award is proudly given in Honor of our “Forever Hero” Derek Abbott who went to his “For all
Eternity” home to be with Jesus on 2/23/2024 in an Apache crash during a training flight.
Derek, a devout Christian, is known to his family and friends for his steadfast devotion and Love for
Christ,
his immense Love and devotion to his family,
his commitment to service in his Church, the Military, in his Community, and for his Country.
More than anything Derek loved spending time with his family.
They always came 1st in everything he did.
Making sure, above all, they knew they were loved and taken care of.
As an exemplary citizen in the community, Derek lived his life by the example of Jesus Christ as he
loved everyone he met.
He believed in shopping locally and “washing the feet” of those who needed a helping hand. He
invested in those he believed in, and that was everyone.
Derek loved being a Soldier. He took being a Soldier to heart.
As a Master Aviator, His soul always rang true to the Red, White, and Blue.
He always took great Pride and Honor in serving, with Stature and great Valor in all that He did.
The purpose of this award is to overflow into the life of a youth that is looking to face this beautiful
journey we get to call life head on and thrive as they walk out their purpose with Honor and Valor, no
matter where it may lead them.
The requirement of this award is for any high school graduate to write an essay answering the
following question.
"As a teenager that gets up every day facing your own “battlefield” how do you do this with Honor and
Valor?
From this year's award-winning essay, I want to quote a line that stood out:
"Having to face the battlefield every day isn’t easy it takes you being vulnerable before the Lord in the middle of the battlefield you have to carry the character of who Jesus is honor and valor. My biggest battlefield is my mind, and it takes me surrendering in my life every day"
Seek Christ in all you do, Jeremiah 33:3
and always know God is with you wherever you go, Joshua 1:9.
In every walk of life, if you continue “Becoming One Heart” with Christ, you will truly succeed in Life.
Let Love wrap around your life in all you do, 1st Corinthians 13.
Karsten Bailey, Congratulations.
