(From left) Lauretta Hannon, executive director of Institutional Advancement at GNTC; Kathi Vroman; scholarship recipient Shasten Tomas; Tim Vroman, who is holding a photo of GNTC Aviation Maintenance Technology graduate Matthew Vroman; and Jon Byrd, executive director of Aviation at GNTC and Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) state aviation advisor, celebrate the award of the first Matthew Vroman Memorial Scholarship.

Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) has named Shasten Tomas as the first recipient of the Matthew Vroman Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship honors Matthew Vroman, who graduated from GNTC’s Aviation Maintenance Technology program and tragically passed away in 2024 at age 25 due to health struggles. It supports students in aviation who exemplify Vroman’s kindness, strong values, and hardworking spirit.

Tomas, who is a first-generation college student from Dalton, is studying Aviation Maintenance Technology at GNTC’s Floyd County Campus. His goal is to become a certified Airframe and Powerplant mechanic for commercial airplanes. He expressed excitement about contributing to aviation safety.

Matthew Vroman showed a deep passion for aviation from a young age and achieved significant milestones, including earning a diploma and three certificates at GNTC. His parents, Tim and Kathi Vroman, created the scholarship to honor his legacy and support students who share his attributes.

Jon Byrd, GNTC’s Executive Director of Aviation, described Vroman as a remarkable student who overcame personal challenges without complaints. He emphasized the importance of the scholarship in remembering Vroman’s spirit. Matthew Vroman worked as an aviation mechanic and left a legacy of inspiration for future aviation professionals at GNTC.