This is unclear to me; is it supposed to be asking for recommendations
for a scholarship? Must the silver badge have been completed along with
being under 21?

It's a last minute reminder to young eligible applicants out there that
2006 applications should be mailed in to SSA by the end of this week. I
have had a little difficulty reaching all expected eligibles, so I was
just enlisting r.a.s readers to prod any they might know of locally.

The application form is online at
http://www.soarcsa.org/ssa/ssay/klstdapp.pdf

Details on the grant, eligibility, and application package guidelines
(form + statement + letters of recommendation) are at
http://www.soarcsa.org/ssa/ssay/kycs.htm
In brief, yes, a complete Silver badge must have been earned at minimum,
OR an SSA youth "Century I" flight (100km X/C), the upper age limit is
20, and it is for SSA member USA citizens. One typo I have yet to fix,
sorry: A Private Pilot Certificate is not required (e.g for applicants
age 14, 15). It is a competitive award, so the more advanced soaring,
Club/FBO service, and academic activity the better.

John H. Campbell
SSA Youth Committee