Two Aviation Exploring Scholarships awarded to high school students

Sporty's has awarded $1,000 Aviation Exploring Scholarships to two high school students. Both recipients are planning careers in aviation, and both students enjoyed their first flights as Young Eagles. The scholarships are sponsored by Sporty's.

Bradley A. Bormuth, age 16, of Morganton, North Carolina, is a student pilot with plans to become either an airline or corporate pilot. He has 79 hours, 20 of which are solo; he will turn 17, the minimum age to receive his certificate, in August 2004. He says, "My present flight instructor has told me on several occasions that I am ready to take my checkride."

Charles E. Watson, age 17, of Lebanon, Tennessee, is a student pilot who plans to take his checkride by mid-Summer 2004. He became an Eagle Scout with Silver Palms in 2003. He hopes to have an instrument rating by the time he graduates from high school. His ultimate plan is to become an Air Force pilot, flying F-15s or F-22s.

The scholarship money may be used to advance any aspect of their aviation careers. Bormuth says, "I want a career that I can enjoy as well as have a fun time doing my job. What better way to do that than to have a career in aviation?" Watson’s flight instructor says, "He has great flying skills and has displayed good situational awareness and an outstanding attitude throughout his training."

Aviation Exploring, an affiliate of the Boy Scouts of America, is a youth development program open to young women and men between the ages of fourteen and twenty.

FMI: www.sportys.com, www.aviationexploring.com