EAU CLAIRE, WIS. – Sixteen-year-old, Bridget Usher of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, has received the first annual Youth Aviation Adventure (YAA) Aim High Scholarship for area youth. Usher became eligible for the scholarship when she participated in the 2012 Youth Aviation Adventure event, which featured 30 pilots and instructors who led 12 learning stations. NASA rocket scientist Bryan Palaszewski was keynote speaker of the event.
Usher, a sophomore at Regis High School in Eau Claire, took advantage of a free EAA Young Eagles plane ride; obtained a free EAA student membership; completed Part 1 (Recreational Pilot) of Sporty’s Complete Flight Training DVD Course; took her first flight lesson, courtesy of grants from EAA Young Eagles; and submitted a 500-word essay about her experience.
Youth Aviation Adventure – Eau Claire is part of a national organization that is now offering events at 26 airports across the nation exposing young people to the world of aviation. YAA – Eau Claire is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. YAA was founded in Columbus, Ohio, as a way for Boy Scouts to earn their Aviation Merit Badge. Since that time, it has expanded to include any interested youth between the ages of 12 and 18.
Local businessman and pilot Jack Fay brought the event to Eau Claire four years ago, and recruits volunteers and raises funds from area sponsors to run the event and cover expenses. Last year, Fay developed the idea of offering a $500.00 scholarship for an area youth to support educational aspirations related to any field.
“This scholarship is a great way to reward curiosity and engagement among young people in Eau Claire,” Fay said. “Our core belief at YAA is that it can be a catalyst for students to think of what they might be able to achieve whatever their endeavor in life. Bridget’s essay was a shining example of just that. As she reflected in her essay, this experience has created a lifetime impression of something she never thought she could do. She exudes the thought and passion with which young people can approach their goals.” In Usher’s words, “Even when you’re not in the air, flying gives you the feeling of both pride and accomplishment, and I’m looking forward to getting my license someday.”
Sparking interest in aviation careers has taken on increased importance as the number of commercial pilots has continued to fall behind industry needs. The Boeing Company has forecast a need for 460,000 new pilots (69,000 in North America) by 2031.
Funding and in-kind sponsors of Youth Aviation Adventure – Eau Claire include Xcel Energy, Royal Construction, Ralph and Ann Kisor, Gordy’s Country Market, Mayo Clinic Medical Transport, Audio Architects, DigiCopy, EAA Squadron 507 (Eau Claire), Boy Scout Council of Chippewa Valley, Chippewa Valley Regional Airport, Heartland Aviation, and NASA (Bryan Palaszewski). In addition, more than 30 pilots and airport personnel, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire student volunteers, community members and others, donate their time, expertise and energy to make the event possible.
For more information, contact Jack Fay at n58763@gmail.com.
