Award Goes To Gracie Hochstetler Of Hesston College

The Wichita Aero Club has announced that Gracie Hochstetler, a sophomore professional flight major at Hesston College in Hesston, Kansas is the 2018 recipient of its Edward W. Stimpson scholarship. Ms. Hochstetler is the first Hesston College student to receive the $5,000 award, which has been presented to an aspiring aviation professional since 2013. She is the eighth recipient of a scholarship sponsored by the Wichita Aero Club.  

Ms. Hochstetler was home-schooled from kindergarten through the twelfth grade in her hometown of Leesburg, Indiana. She graduated in 2016. She will be presented with a check for $5,000 on the evening of August 23 at a Wichita Aero Club-hosted event at Stearman Field in Benton, KS. An instrument-rated pilot, she is working on her Commercial and Certified Flight Instructor ratings. She’s also a nationally certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) who is employed by Hesston Fire and Emergency Medical Services. She also finds time to serve as a Student Ambassador for Hesston College.

“I can’t express how much this scholarship means to me,” Ms. Hochstetler said. "It’s such an honor and it will be a significant help to me in the pursuit of my passion to fly. I look forward to a career as a pilot.

“I also want to say ‘thank you’ to all those who have made this scholarship possible. I look forward to the day when I can contribute in a similar way. I’m especially interested in being a part of the Wichita Aero Club’s support of STEM programs. Perhaps I’ll have a chance to join their effort to encourage students at all levels—especially young women,” she added.

The WAC scholarship honors the memory of Ed Stimpson, the late President of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association and ICAO Ambassador. It has been  awarded annually to a student who seek to make a significant contribution to the aviation industry upon completion of his or her education.

“It’s always gratifying to award one of our scholarships to a dynamic and enthusiastic recipient like Gracie,“ explained John O’Leary, chairman of the Wichita Aero Club Board of Directors. “Her outstanding performance in school and her obvious commitment to serving others made her selection an easy one.

“The goal of our educational initiatives is specifically to stimulate interest in and support of aviation-related curricula at learning institutions and to provide some help in defraying a portion of the recipients’ expense. We’re glad we’re able to have a tangible way to encourage students to pursue careers in aviation and become the next generation of industry leaders. We’re also looking at additional ways we can expand the scope of our efforts and the ways we underwrite them. Our scholarships are currently funded through two principal fund-raising events— our annual golf tournament and Wichita Aero Club Trophy Gala.”

The Wichita Aero Club was established in 2008 to foster and promote interest in aviation, provide a forum focused on the industry’s issues and achievements and bring together those with a passion for flight in an environment that expands and enhances professional relationships and furthers cooperation and understanding.

(Source: WAC news release)

FMI: www.wichitaaeroclub.org