Frederick, MD – The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) awarded a scholarship worth $3,000 to a student pilot on Thursday, March 6 during the annual Women in Aviation, International (WAI) Conference in Orlando, Florida.
Alyssa Mae Celone was chosen out of 23 applicants to receive the scholarship that will be used toward future flight training. Each year, AOPA awards one scholarship under the WAI Scholarship program.
Applicants were evaluated on merit, including previous accomplishments, the ability to set and achieve goals, involvement in general aviation and commitment to flight training. Applicants were also asked to write an essay expressing their views on how general aviation supports local communities and the nation.
“Nobody in my family is involved in aviation,” said Celone. “But my enthusiasm has sparked an interest in all of my family and friends.”
Celone is currently a senior in high school, maintaining a 4.4 weighted GPA while working to support her flight training. She has earned 24 hours of flight time and plans to use the scholarship money to finish her training without financial roadblocks.
WAI is a nonprofit organization encouraging women to seek opportunities and careers in aviation. Applications for the 2015 scholarships will be available July 2014 on the WAI website: www.wai.org.
Since 1939, AOPA has protected the freedom to fly for thousands of pilots, aircraft owners and aviation enthusiasts. AOPA is the largest aviation member association in the world. With representatives based in Frederick, Md., Washington, D.C., and seven regions across the United States, AOPA provides member services that range from advocacy at the federal, state, and local levels to legal services, flight planning products, safety programs and award-winning media products. To learn more, visit www.aopa.org.
