Greetings,
As I mentioned in last month’s update, we had another great turnout for the 2023 scholarship cycle with 41 applications submitted. Through your donations we were fortunate to be able to award ten scholarships to some deserving and well-qualified applicants. In this month’s Scholarship Corner, we’ll introduce some of our 2024 scholarship recipients.
2024 Scholarship Recipients
Blake Klenner – Chandler-Gilbert Community College/University of North Dakota
Blake is a USMC veteran and former F-35B Lightning II maintainer with VMFA-211.
My career aspiration is to become a professional pilot, in any capacity. I have yet to decide which route I would like to take with my future career as a pilot but flying for work is my dream. The APA scholarship is a crucial steppingstone toward achieving this dream. With a deep passion for flying and a commitment to professional growth, I am grateful for the APA scholarship, which propels me closer to my goal of becoming a professional pilot. I look forward to what the future holds for me throughout my training as well as the friendships and knowledge I will gain through the APA.
Aiden Nelson – Chandler-Gilbert Community College – Aviation Maintenance Technology Program
My name is Aiden Nelson, and I will be attending Chandler Gilbert Community College (CGCC) for the Aircraft Maintenance Technology program. Once I have my A&P license, my goal is to work full time at a local airport or flight school maintaining aircraft and continue my education in the field of Avionics. This generous scholarship will be applied towards my first year of schooling and will allow me to focus and attend classes full time without the full cost of the program weighing on me.
Bethany Flora – Chandler-Gilbert Community College/University of North Dakota
Securing this scholarship is a pivotal moment in my journey towards a career in aerial firefighting. The financial support will be directly supporting the next phases of my training which include an instrument rating and commercial certificate. Through the upcoming months of my training, the scholarship will help alleviate some financial stress allowing me to focus on my proficiency in flying as well as being an advocate for aviation safety. This opportunity not only propels me closer to my dream of becoming a skilled pilot but positions me to someday possess the expertise to combat wildfires from the skies.
Austin Lockridge – University of North Dakota
My name is Austin Lockridge, and I am currently a CFI applicant at UND Aerospace in Mesa, Arizona. My career goal is to work as a certified flight instructor in various capacities across the aviation industry. My aspirations have been influenced by a number of very impactful instructors throughout my training, and I aim to mirror their dedication to teaching. The Arizona Pilots Association scholarship has made it possible to pursue a Certified Flight Instructor Instrument rating upon completion of my CFI certificate, allowing me to become a safer and more experienced pilot, a skill I hope to impart on countless others.
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