Beau Straywell Patterson IV

My name is Straywell Patterson and I am a senior at West Charlotte High School.  Thank you for taking time to read about my story as I start my final year of high school and begin to forge my path to college and beyond.  I hope that you will join me on my journey to becoming an aeronautical engineer.  

I am proud to share that I have been accepted into the prestigious Kappa Beautillion Militaire Scholars Program sponsored by the Kappa Foundation of Charlotte and the Charlotte Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.  The Militaire Scholars is so much more than a program.  It's a chance for me to grow as a young man and as a strong leader. It's an opportunity to learn more about service, civics, and character, all while preparing for college and a career.  Being a part of this program means I'll be able to represent my family, my school and my community and it will help me turn my dreams into reality.

My ultimate dream is to become an Aeronautical Engineer, as I'm fascinated by aircraft design, propulsion, and control systems.  I've spent the past few years developing a passion for aircraft, specifically aircraft design.  This is what I plan to study in college.  As a rising senior in high school, I've already completed three years of the very rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) program and the Entrepreneurship Career and Technical Education Pathway (CTE). The high school IB program is designed to develop critical thinking, international-mindedness, and lifelong learning skills.  Through the Entrepreneurship CTE Pathway, I’ve earned an industry level certification in Entrepreneurship and Small Business (ESB). This school pathway has helped me develop a sharp entrepreneurial mindset, a collective of soft skills that many companies value in people in leadership. To earn this certification, I developed and presented a detailed business plan including financing, marketing, team building, and market analysis.  Having completed this certification program has given me a confidence boost to continue to explore my own entrepreneurial venture one day as an Engineering Consultant.

College is more than just studies.  I'm fortunate to be able to participate in activities away from academics.  Balancing studies and play is an important skill that I've gained and will be able to implement in college. 

Extra Curriculars, Clubs and Hobbies:

• Track and Field - 200m and 400m
• West Charlotte High PTSA Student Ambassador
• West Charlotte Elevate (Service Club)
• NASA Space Apps Challenge
• Chess Club
• National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
• Charlotte Experience Augmented Reality Club and Camp
• Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) Program
• Fishing

My family has always instilled in me the importance of being a decent human, not just a good student.  I have participated in a number of service opportunities that allowed me to demonstrate and practice the principles I learned at home.  I have listed a few below that have really helped reinforce my personal values and helped shape me in a positive way.

Volunteer Work and Community Service:

• Math and reading tutor for 3rd graders and 4th graders
• Sustain Charlotte volunteer - greenway and creek clean up
• Harvest Hope Food Bank volunteer - separated and boxed non-perishables
• Sullenberger Aviation Museum volunteer - Makerspace Assistant
• Pals for Seniors with Friendship Missionary Baptist Church - pen pal project for the elderly
• Essentials of Hope Project - packaged and delivered hygiene packs for the unhoused
• Melody Makers - quarterly choral performances for residents of Aldersgate Skilled Nursing Facility
• SAVVY Program volunteer - technology assistant, instructor assistant, and campus guide for the visually impaired

I know that college can be a financial challenge, which is where your support is requested.  Your gift, no matter the size, makes a direct impact on my journey and helps pave the way for me to reach my goal of becoming an aeronautical engineer. For example, a donation of $540 could cover the average cost of my textbooks for a semester while a gift of $100 would cover the average cost of on- campus meals for a week.  It's an investment in a motivated student excited about the opportunity to make technological advancements in aviation. 

I am grateful for your consideration.  I hope this letter will help you find cause in deciding to give.  The donation deadline is just around the corner - March 22, 2026.  You can make online donations here.  Checks and money orders should be made out to "Kappa Foundation of Charlotte" for Straywell Patterson.  Donations are tax-deductible and a receipt can be provided by Kappa Foundation of Charlotte.

I would much appreciate you sharing this with anyone you believe would be interested in donating to my future.  Again, thank you for your consideration and donations.  I will be sure to share updates on my progress towards my goals.  

Best,

Beau Straywell Patterson IV