Shelia M. Bauer and Kenneth J. Cook Recognized For Achievement in Aerospace Education

Palm Coast, FL – Ms. Shelia M. Bauer and Kenneth J. Cook have been selected for the 2008 Crown Circle Award in recognition of their outstanding achievement in the field of aerospace education. The awards will be presented at this year’s National Conference on Aviation and Space Education (NCASE), October 16 – 18, 2008 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott, in Arlington, Virginia.

The Crown Circle Award was established in 1979, this award recognize performance of outstanding leadership in aerospace education. Crown Circle recipients can be proud of having received one of the highest awards in aerospace education.

Those seeking this honor must demonstrate involvement in and commitment to aerospace education as a local, national, or international leader in aerospace education with performance over an extended term and of great quality. Induction may also be the result of exceptionally unique or extraordinarily outstanding achievement or contributions in aerospace education.

Ms Shelia M. Bauer

National Aviation Education Program Manager, Federal Aviation Administration

Shelia M. Bauer, pilot and educator, recently retiring from the Federal Aviation Administration, as National Aviation and Space Education Programs Manager. She joined the agency in 1990 when she began working for the organization as New England Region's Aviation Education Program Manager.

In addition to her leadership responsibilities for FAA's Aviation and Space Education Programs, in 2003, Ms. Bauer spear-heading the agencies outreach efforts for the Centennial of Flight (C.O.F.) celebrations. The FAA's C.O.F. initiatives resulted in reaching 1 million students, educators, and general public through a myriad of educational programs and events.

During her tenure at FAA, Bauer instituted a multitude of programs and has taken hundreds of young women under her wings, both literally and figuratively through the years. During her years of growth in the aviation industry she had easily touched the lives of over 100,000 people in her zest to share the excitement of aviation among clients and friends.

Ms. Bauer is a member of numerous national education boards and round tables; serving as Advisor to the National Brewer Advisory Board and the National Coalition for Aviation Education, also serving as Co-Chair to the Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Outreach Committee.

Shelia has been awarded numerous awards for her efforts to promote aviation. She holds a private pilot license with instrument, single, and multi-engine ratings and flies her Piper Warrior aircraft with her husband Jeff to aviation events around New England Region. Ms. Bauer holds a BFA Degree from Massachusetts College of Art and Salem State Teacher's College.

Kenneth J. Cook

President and CEO, Ken Cook Co.

Kenneth J. Cook is president, CEO and Chairman of Ken Cook Co., a leading technical communication business with a staff of 90 professionals in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The company produces technical manuals and training programs for major manufacturers, including Raytheon Aircraft, Volvo, Caterpillar, John Deere, Ingersoll-Rand, and Altec.

Ken has over 40 years experience in the technical communications field as a writer, editor, executive and consultant.

He holds a BS degree in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University and a MBE degree in Business Economics from Claremont Graduate University; Drucker School of Management.

Mr. Cook is passionate about promoting aviation education to today’s educators and youth. In 2003, Ken was elected President, National Coalition for Aviation Education (NCAE) and leads over 50 organizations and associations dedicated to aviation and space education. NCAE represents government, industry, labor and professional associations united to promote aviation and space education activities and resources, increase public understanding of the importance of aviation and aerospace, and support education initiatives at the local, state and national levels.

In addition, NCAE sponsors the bi-annual conferences: Leadership Conference on Aviation Education (LCASE) and National Conference on Aviation and Space Education (NCASE). Ken was instrumental in negotiations between the Civil Air Patrol and NCAE, transferring the NCASE conference host responsibilities from CAP to NCAE; the agreement was signed December 5, 2006. This year’s NCASE 2008 conference is October 16 – 18, 2008 Arlington, Virginia, is geared towards educators and curriculum (www.ncase.info).

Ken is actively involved in community, national and international associations, helping to promote education and programs specifically designed to meet current education challenges. He serves on the Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Outreach Committee to promote education and careers in the maintenance sectors of aerospace.

And regarding other NCAE awards, Dr. Lee Siiudzinski, Ed.D. has been selected for the 2008 Dr. Mervin K. Strickler, Jr. Award in recognition of his outstanding achievements in the field of aviation education.

Lee Siudzinski, has promoted aerospace and been committed to education throughout his career.

The Strickler Award will be presented to Mr. Siudzinski at the 2008 National Conference on Aviation and Space Education (NCASE) on October 18, 2008 at the Marriott Crystal Gateway in Washington, D.C.

The annual Dr. Mervin K. Strickler, Jr. was established by NCAE in 1995. It was named in honor of Dr. Strickler, in tribute to his 50 years of contributions to aviation education.

NCAE

The National Coalition for Aviation Education (NCAE) represents government, industry and labor, united to promote aviation and space education activities and resources, increase public understanding of the importance of aviation and space industry contributions to society, and support educational initiatives at the local, state, and national levels.