Avfuel Names 2013 AVTRIP Scholarship Recipients: Kelly Hicks (TX) And David McColl (FL)

Dec. 16, 2013
Every year since 2000, AVTRIP has awarded a lucky pilot with a $2,000 scholarship to put towards continuing aviation education.

ANN ARBOR, MI / December 13, 2012 / GENERAL AND BUSINESS AVIATION NEWS / Avfuel’s popular pilots rewards program, AVTRIP, rewards members with more than just points and cash awards. Every year since 2000, AVTRIP has awarded a lucky pilot with a $2,000 scholarship to put towards continuing aviation education.

“This year we saw an especially passionate group of applicants,” said Marci Ammerman, Avfuel Vice President, Marketing. “Their genuine enthusiasm for aviation seemed to jump off the pages. It’s exciting for the Avfuel selection team to know that we’re going to make a significant impact on an aviator’s life – and we don’t take that responsibility lightly.”

Ultimately, the $2,000 AVTRIP Scholarship was awarded to Kelly Hicks, 34, a Texas-based corporate flight attendant and student pilot. “Ever since I was a little girl I have loved airplanes and flying,” said Hicks. "I was thrilled when I received the phone call that I was the AVTRIP Scholarship Award Recipient!”

Hicks was inspired to pursue aviation by her late grandfather, a warbird-enthusiast who took his young granddaughter to airshows and educated her on various aircraft and engines. “Those experiences helped light the fire in me to become a pilot,” Hicks said. “I am so thankful for Avfuel for having a program that allows beginner pilots like me to achieve the goal of being a professional in the aviation industry.” Hicks will use the AVTRIP Scholarship to obtain her instrument rating.

A $500 semi-finalist award was bestowed upon David McColl, a veteran of the British Army Parachute Regiment. McColl, who lives in Florida and hopes to one day teach his young son to fly, has specific plans for the funds: “I’m a helicopter pilot, but I plan to use the scholarship to help obtain my instrument and commercial fixed-wing add-on,” he said. “This will get me closer to my goal of becoming a dual-rated commercial pilot.” He added, “I believe scholarships are an investment in people. I was very pleased to hear I had been selected to receive an AVTRIP Scholarship.”

Two additional applicants, Caitlin Connors of Queensbury, New York, and Anna Anderson of Casper, Wyoming, were awarded 10,000 AVTRIP bonus points as scholarship runners-up.

Selecting the AVTRIP Scholarship recipient is rewarding, but difficult, said Ammerman. “Every applicant this year had defined goals and real potential to contribute to their personal and professional communities through the use of general aviation,” said Ammerman. “Avfuel is thrilled to do our part to encourage these passions and help make them a reality. These aviators are assets to our industry and to society.”

ABOUT THE AVTRIP SCHOLARSHIP The Avfuel AVTRIP Scholarship is awarded yearly to aviators pursuing continued aviation education. Winners are chosen based on eligibility requirements and a written essay. Applicants can apply year-round and must be current AVTRIP members. To enroll, visit www.avfuel.com/avtrip.

ABOUT AVFUEL CORPORATION
 

Avfuel provides fuel and services to the global aviation industry and is the leading independent supplier in the United States. Established as a supply and logistics company nearly 40 years ago, Avfuel is core competent in every aspect that surrounds the delivery of fuel – from refinery to wingtip. Our diverse market of customers include: fixed base operators, airlines, freight companies, corporate flight departments, military special operations and helicopter operators. Avfuel combines global access with personalized service throughout a fueling network over 3,000 locations worldwide and 600+ Avfuel branded dealers and offers business solutions such as AVTRIP, an established, recognized pilot incentive program; the jet fuel savings program Avfuel Contract Fuel and Avplan, a flight-support and trip planning company for domestic and international customers. Our 100% dedication to aviation demonstrates our passion and commitment to a global community that prospers on the movement of goods and services around the world.