5 COLLEGE STUDENTS GET SCIENCE SCHOLARSHIP.

Byline: Daily News

LANCASTER -- Five local college students were presented with $2,000 scholarships Saturday in the name of the 2006 Aerospace Walk of Honor honorees.

Scholarship recipients are David Agbelusi, Stephen Bartell, Andrew Bernard, Matthew Bierle and Derick Kerwin.

``These scholarship recipients are the future of science and engineering,'' said Mayor Henry Hearns. ``We are proud that the Antelope Valley can boast this caliber of students.''

Agbelusi is a graduate of Tehachapi High School, currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. He decided early on to pursue a career in engineering, but when family obligations forced him to quit university at age 19, he threw himself into a variety of careers. After a decade of putting his dream on hold, Agbelusi renewed his education with the encouragement and support of his wife. He is now a President's List student at Antelope Valley College and serves as acting president of the college's Physics and Engineering Club.

Bartel, a graduate of Lancaster High School, received his associate's degree in mathematics from Antelope Valley College in May 2006. He is now pursuing his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering at UC Santa Barbara and plans to go on to get his master's degree. As the oldest of four children, Bartel works part time to earn money for school but still makes time for various extracurricular activities, including serving as vice president of the AVC Physics and Engineering Club.

Bernard graduated from Lancaster High School this year and is beginning his postsecondary education at Antelope Valley College studying engineering. He plans on transferring to the Lancaster University Center to pursue his bachelor's degree in either electrical, computer or mechanical engineering. He also hopes to gain some work experience through internships while still in college to equip him for a career in aerospace engineering.

In high school, Bierle fit the definition of troubled youth. A father by age 16, Bierle dropped out of high school to work several minimum-wage, part-time jobs. At 17 he entered the U.S. Navy and received training, discipline and the opportunity to earn his GED. Today he is finally pursuing his dream of becoming a mechanical engineer, working part time and attending Antelope Valley College. He plans to earn his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering through the Lancaster University Center and pursue a career developing civil and military robots while continuing his graduate education part time.

Kerwin, a graduate of Littlerock High School, is now studying aeronautics and aeronautical science at Antelope Valley College. When he graduates with his associate's degree in spring 2007, he also hopes to have obtained three separate state certifications, including the Airframe and Power Plant Certificate for the FAA, which would allow him to work as a flight-line mechanic. Kerwin has already been accepted into Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, where he plans to double-major in professional aeronautics and aeronautical science.

After receiving his bachelor's degree, Kerwin would like to pursue his master's degree while working in the aerospace industry.