~ Scholarship Corner ~
By Chris Nugent
Well time flies as they say, and we are fast approaching another APA scholarship cycle. With the next round of applications due by October 31st the Scholarship Committee will be busy with communication and outreach activities at the schools and colleges to ensure that students are aware of what APA does through the scholarship program. As you might expect, the pandemic and social distancing will require us to conduct these sessions virtually via video conference. While we certainly enjoy doing these sessions in-person, I am excited about being able to reach a broader group of students and for perhaps the first time, their parents. In addition to the conference sessions with the schools, we are also planning to do one or two open sessions for others that may be interested in becoming involved in aviation. Look for further information on our website and Facebook page soon.
I also wanted to give you a quick update on two of our 2020 scholarship winners – Tim O’Hara and Michael Swift.
Tim recently turned 17 and successfully completed his Private Pilot check ride with Aviation Explorer Post 352 at Falcon Field. I had the opportunity to meet Tim and his mother Shannon, who flies for American, at this year’s Copperstate Fly-In. Tim is a pretty squared away young man and is working to get an appointment to the US Air Force Academy. Based on his focus and commitment to an aviation career, I’m confident he’ll get there!
Michael Swift, who is pursuing his PPL in Yuma, recently completed his first solo at Arizona Active Air in Yuma – after only 10 hours! He is making great progress, and I’m sure he’ll be ready for his check ride in no time.
It’s very encouraging to see these young aviators making great progress in spite of all the pandemically-induced challenges. It’s even more encouraging to see the APA Scholarship Program at work!
Thank you for your generosity and support for scholarship program. Your donations, large and small, help APA fulfill our mission of building the next generation of Arizona aviators.
Stay healthy and fly safe.