Moriah Ophelia Graham, of Smyrna Delaware, is the daughter of James Graham and Rochelle Graham-Kilby. She is a 2015 honors graduate of Polytech High School with a technical degree in Aerospace and Engineering with a minor in English. While pursuing her degree in Aeronautical Science, Moriah entered the demanding aviation program of Flight Operations. She completed the course and passed her FAA Private Pilot Exam to become the first female African American from Delaware to earn their license while still in high school. In addition to her requisite high school courses, Moriah completed several college level courses for credit, including a History in Aviation, from Wilmington University.
Moriah actively participates in the PHS Air Force Junior ROTC. She has volunteered over one hundred hours for Habitat for Humanity building homes for deserving families. She also volunteers at the Delaware Soup Kitchen, mentors youth through the YMCA Club 58 program, and has given her time to Adopt-A-Highway. Moriah has also helped organize and participated in numerous charity events including several 5K runs.
While flying is her main passion, Moriah has many outside activities, such as the drama club, and was voted “Most Musical” by her graduating class. She enjoys singing and has sung the National Anthem at local events. Moriah also won the gold medal at the Delaware SkillsUSA competition under the Prepared Speech category and competed nationally.
Other accolades for Moriah include the Embry Riddle Women of Excellence Scholarship, 2015 Legacy of Leadership Award through Kingdom Christian Academy, and the Christina Haden Scholarship by Polytech High School for the “Spirit of Service,” and the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority GEMS Scholarship. Through Embry Riddle University she also received the Deans Scholarship and the Achievement Scholarship.
Moriah will matriculate in the Fall of 2015 at Embry Riddle University, where she will continue to pursue a career in aviation as a commercial pilot. With Moriah’s ambition, positive personality, and innate ability she will enjoy a successful career in aviation.
