Published in Midwest Flyer – Oct/Nov 2016
SPRINGFIELD, ILL. – Michelle Peterson, 20, of Oregon, Wisconsin, has received the 2016 “International Flying Farmers Memorial Scholarship.” The award was presented at the organization’s 71st Annual Convention, July 17-21, 2016 at the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel in Springfield, Illinois.
The $4,000 scholarship is given to a member, or daughter or granddaughter of a member, who has completed their sophomore year in college. Peterson will receive $1,000 per semester for four semesters in her chosen field of study.
Michelle Peterson is a student at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, majoring in nursing with minors in global health and gerontology. Eventually, she hopes to become a nurse practitioner, and continue her education in aviation.
Peterson obtained her Private Pilot Certificate on August 28, 2015. In addition to receiving the scholarship, Peterson received a leather bound bible for being the youngest member to fly to the convention, and an additional $100 when her name was drawn among pilots who flew to the convention in the “Lucky Pilot Contest.”
Michelle Peterson is the daughter of Mark and Betty Peterson of Oregon, Wisconsin, and the granddaughter of Wisconsin Flying Farmer President Phil Peterson and his wife, Carol, who were recognized for their 25 years of membership in the International Flying Farmers.
The Petersons are fifth generation farmers, and fly their 1996 Piper Archer PA-28-181 throughout North America, the Bahamas, Mexico and Costa Rica from their own airstrip in southern Wisconsin.
