Alexandria, VA, Tuesday | July 29, 2008
The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2008 scholarship awards.
This year's Dan L. Meisinger, Sr. Memorial Learn to Fly Scholarship was awarded to Demetria N. Elosiebo in the amount of $2,500.
Demetria Elosiebo recently graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in Aerospace Science. She currently holds a commercial pilot license with both an instrument and multi-engine rating. She has spent much of her free time volunteering with the Murfreesboro Inner City Ministry program and visiting schools in the Memphis area, educating students about the exciting opportunities a career in aviation has to offer. She plans to work as a flight instructor for the next five years, training and transporting her fellow missionaries.
Congratulations, Demetria!
This year's NATA Business Scholarship was awarded to John A. White in the amount of $2,500.
John White is currently employed by Signature Flight Support of Palm Springs. He knew early on that he wanted to dedicate his life to aviation. He started working for Signature last year in order to be around the aircraft he loves. He currently holds a Private Pilot Certificate and aspires to become a certified flight instructor. He also plans to pursue a degree in aerospace engineering while working as a Certified Flight Instructor.
Best of luck, John!
This year's Pioneers of Flight Scholarship was awarded to Fidan Thornburg in the amount of $1,000.
Fidan Thornburg has dreamed of flying since age 14. In fact, her sole reason for coming to this country from Russia was so she could learn to fly. She obtained her private pilot license five years ago and now has over 200 hours of flying time. She is a year and a half away from getting her bachelor's degree in Professional Aeronautics with an Aviation Safety minor from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. She currently works for Clay Lacy Aviation and dreams of someday making flying her profession.
Way to go, Fidan!
NATA extends a special thank you to Gregory L. Schwab, Ed. D., chair and associate professor, Department of Aviation Technology, Indiana State University; Rosemary Emhoff, flight instructor; and Jim Hackman, former regional manager of Cessna Pilot Centers, for judging this year's scholarships.
More information on NATA's scholarship programs is available at www.nata.aero/about/scholarships.jsp.NATA, the voice of aviation business, is the public policy group representing the interests of aviation businesses before the Congress and federal agencies.
