Young Aviators Receive EAA’s Initial Ray Aviation Scholarships

YOUNG AVIATORS FROM FLORIDA, CALIFORNIA RECEIVE EAA’s INITIAL RAY AVIATION SCHOLARSHIPS

Local EAA chapters involved in selection, mentoring

Nicole Blount of Lake Placid, Florida, and Max Davidson of Jurupa Valley, California, have received the initial Ray Aviation Scholarships of up to $10,000 from the Experimental Aircraft Association, allowing these young people to take flight training in their local regions and pursue their dreams of flight. The Ray Foundation has provided $1 million to EAA to fund Ray Aviation Scholarships for up to 100 young people, as the program seeks to improve the flight training success rate from the current 20 percent level to 80 percent for those participating in the scholarship program.

Blount was selected in conjunction with EAA Chapter 1240 based in Sebring, Florida. She attends Lake Placid High School in Florida and is enrolled in the aerospace course there. “I have been introduced to the aerospace world through my high school,” Blount said. "I think that learning to fly will broaden my opportunities in life, as well as grant me richer experiences.” Davidson, a student at Patriot High School in Jurupa Valley, was surprised with the scholarship award during EAA Chapter 1’s 65th anniversary celebration in Riverside, California. “I couldn’t believe it when my name was called to be awarded the scholarship,” Davidson said. “EAA members always told me if I was interested, good things would happen … It’s every dream come true!”