Ray Aviation Scholarships Awarded By EAA

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Nicole Blount

Two high-school students have been awarded $10,000 each under the EAA’s Ray Aviation Scholarships. Nicole Blount of Lake Placid, Florida, and Max Davidson of Jurupa Valley, California, will receive this important head start toward their flight training.

“Through the generous gift of the Ray Foundation, aviation is a pathway to impart important life skills and introduce youths to aviation and aerospace careers,” says Jack Pelton, EAA CEO. “This grant furthers the legacy of James Ray, an EAA lifetime member who was dedicated to aviation and youth. Working with EAA chapters, we will grow this initiative to help meet the tremendous future demand for pilots and associated aviation careers.”

Max Davidson

Blount, a student of Lake Placid High School, was selected through her local EAA chapter. Davidson is a student of Patriot High School in Jurupa Valley, California. He was announced as the Ray Aviation scholarship at EAA Chapter 1’s 65th anniversary celebration in Riverside.

“I couldn’t believe it when my name was called to be awarded the scholarship,” Davidson said. “EAA members always told me if I was interested, good things would happen … It’s every dream come true!”

According to EAA, local chapters are tasked with mentoring and supporting the scholarship recipients. Chapters will play a critical role in the success of the Ray Aviation Scholarship program. In addition, the scholarship recipients must commit to “volunteer service with the local EAA chapter.”

EAA announced the scholarships in October 2018, saying it would fund up to $10,000 each toward the cost of flight training for up to 100 young people, thanks to a $1 million grant from the Ray Foundation. The foundation, based in Naples, Florida, aims to help boost the flight-training success rate from the current 20 percent to 80 percent.

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