Samantha Watkins Awarded Aviation Scholarship


Chapter 485’s 7th proud Ray Scholarship winner!  

 

The Ray Foundation’s Aviation Scholars program — administered by the EAA in Oshkosh, Wisconsin — provides up to $11,000 scholarships to young people who are seeking to learn to fly. The scholarship supports flight students through both written and practical segments of flight training that are part of successful Federal Aviation Administration private pilot certification.

The foundation has provided $1.2 million annually nationwide to fund the scholarship program, which seeks to improve the flight training success rate from the current industry standard of 20 percent completion rate to 90 percent for program participants. The initiative is designed to help meet the tremendous future demand for pilots and associated aviation careers.

 

Our Club House Presentation


Watch the 10 minute Video of  the presentation to Samantha.


 

 


Ray Committee member Ralph Moser recaps the 
interview process.

  


Samantha introduces herself to the chapter.
 

   


Samantha becomes an official chapter member, 
with monogrammed hat.

 


Ralph passes Samantha her official EAA Ray award letter.
 

 


Ralph explains the “Ray Contract”, signed by all parties.

 


Samantha eyes her next goal, first solo.

 


Samantha and her proud parents Beth and Marty, with the 
“Big Check”

 


Former Ray winners Brian Harris and Nick Hanssen 
congratulate Samantha.

 


Ray Committee members Nick Hanssen and Ralph Moser 
celebrate with Samantha.

 


President Ralph Moser explains how the entire chapter is 
there to support her.

 


Samantha Gets her shirttail cut off after her first solo.
Mom and Dad couldn't be prouder.

 


Samantha now has a keepsake to celebrate her first solo
flight for years to come.

 

Samantha Gets the full treatment after passing her Check Ride on 22 Oct 2023! 
She now officially holds her Private Pilots License!