We had another great turnout for the 2024 scholarship cycle with sixty-three applications being submitted. Through your donations we were fortunate to be able to award twelve scholarships to some deserving and well-qualified applicants. In this month’s Scholarship Corner, we’ll introduce some of our 2025 scholarship recipients.
2025 Scholarship Recipients
Matreiya Viafora – Verde Valley School, Sedona
I am so appreciative for this APA scholarship because now the end goal for my aviation career is closer in sight! Since I was five, my dream has been to become an airline pilot. Along the way, I would also like to experience being a charter pilot and a medical pilot. This scholarship will dramatically accelerate my goal of getting my PPL (hopefully this year), and all future tests and certificates by allowing me to get regular lessons every week or every other week. So far, I’ve only been able to have lessons once a month as that is what my mother can afford. This scholarship enables me to have more frequent and consistent flight training, and for that I am thrilled! Ultimately, my goal is to obtain my ATP certificate as soon as possible so that the way forward to an airline career is as open and as straight a shot ahead as possible.
Aiden Nelson – Chandler-Gilbert Community College – Aviation Maintenance Technology Program
I am an aspiring aviation maintenance professional with a clear vision for my future in the aviation industry. Currently pursuing Aircraft Maintenance Certifications at CGCC, my career goal is to become a highly skilled aircraft maintenance technician, dedicated to ensuring the safety and efficiency of aviation operations.
This APA scholarship is crucial in helping me achieve my career aspirations by providing the financial support necessary to complete my certifications and further my education in aviation maintenance. With this support, I am eager to advance my technical expertise and continue gaining valuable hands-on experience. I am committed to contributing to the aviation industry through innovation, safety, and excellence in aircraft maintenance.
Corby Running – University of North Dakota
My name is Corby Running, and I am honored to be a recipient of the Arizona Pilots Association Scholarship. I am pursuing a degree in Airway Science Technology with flight emphasis at Chandler-Gilbert Community College. Growing up, I always had a passion for aviation and dreamed of becoming a pilot. After serving in the Navy, where I experienced firsthand the precision and dedication required in aviation, I realized that my goal is to become an airline pilot. I have recently obtained my instrument rating, which has been a significant milestone in my journey toward becoming a professional pilot. The Arizona Pilots Association Scholarship is incredibly valuable to me, as it will ease the financial burden of my education and allow me to focus more on continuing my flight training and furthering my education. I am excited to continue pursuing my dreams and am deeply grateful for the Arizona Pilots Association’s support in helping me achieve them.
Sofia Genova – East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT)
My name is Sofia Genova, and I am a senior at Red Mountain High School working towards earning my Private Pilot's license. I am honored to be the recipient of the Arizona Pilots Association (APA) scholarship that will help me achieve my overall goal of becoming a commercial airline pilot. I was introduced to aviation through the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) when I took an Aviation class my junior year of high school. I discovered how amazing aviation is and how many opportunities it provides. Through EVIT’s internship program, I am going to use the APA scholarship and train with the University of North Dakota’s Chandler Gilbert Community College flight program at the Mesa Gateway Airport. My main goal is to complete my Private Pilot license before I graduate high school in May.
Once I complete my Private Pilot license this spring, I am going to attend the University of North Dakota in the fall where I will earn a bachelor’s degree in Commercial Aviation. There I will be able to transfer all of my credits earned at the community college and begin a year ahead. Then I will complete my Instrument, Commercial, Multi-engine, CFI, and CFII certifications while I finish my degree. My end goal is to work for a regional airline and then transition to a major airline, or start with a major airline after obtaining my ATP license. I am extremely excited about this opportunity and thank you so much for investing in my career and the future of aviation.
More to come next month, and thank you again for your generous support in helping APA build the next generation of Arizona aviation professionals!
Chris