Lavan S. White, of Somerset, has been awarded the Amelia Earhart Award by the United States Air Force Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol.
Sen. Richard Kasunic, Rep. Bob Bastian and Colonel Mark Lee, PA Wing Commander, CAP, presented him the award at a ceremony at the state capitol on June 3.
During his six years in the cadet program, White has served on a number of emergency services search and rescue missions. Additionally he has served in a number of positions here at the Somerset County unit and at the Pennsylvania Wing summer schools. Presently he is serving as the training officer for the Somerset County Composite Squadron 1502, where he is responsible for assisting members in completing the program goals and compliance with U.S. Air Force guidelines for the cadet unit. While White was attending the college preparatory courses at Somerset Area Schools, he lettered twice in varsity swimming.
This Award is earned after completing the first eleven achievements of the cadet program and receipt of the General Billy Mitchell Award. In addition, the cadet must pass an arduous 100 question examination testing aerospace topics, leadership theory and staff topics. Since its inception more than 30 years ago, nearly 10,000 cadets have earned this prestigious award. Only 5 percent of the Civil Air Patrol Cadets will earn this award. White is the 29th Somerset County cadet to receive this award since the unit was formed in 1942.
White is the son of Loren and Tracy White and Bonnie White of Somerset. Lavan is a graduate of Somerset Area Schools and is enrolled at California University, California Pennsylvania, studying liberal arts to gain credentialing in social work. Currently he is a life guard at Idlewild & SoakZone in Ligonier.