Two Amazing Women Prepare To 'Get Their Acro On'

What should have been but one more sad reminder of a tragic event has turned out to be one of the most uplifting pursuits we've undertaken all year. After receiving a number of impressive submissions, ANN CEO, Jim Campbell, finally had to make up his mind and make what turned out to be some very tough selections. Working through a number of applications from some truly deserving applicants, the first two scholarship recipients were decided upon... Kelly Marie Hoffman of San Carlos, CA, and Christy Lynn Garvin of Powder Springs, GA.

Vicki

Both women provided exceptional reasons for their selection... though each differed markedly.

A highlight of Kelly Hoffman's application package was a recommendation letter from one of her flight instructors, Airline Capt. (retired) Carl Mauck... who had, years before, served as Captain to (then) First Officer Julie Clark. Captain Mauck, had grown to be a solid proponent of women in aviation... though he wryly noted that he had much to adjust to when his first officers started showing up wearing bright red nail polish... Captain Mauck, a veteran of over 47,000 hours, also endorsed Kelly by stating that, "I am amazed at her flying talent. She is one of the few pilots around that has the natural ability to do something well,, though she would never admit to that."   

Jim Campbell and Kelly Hoffman

Christy Garvin is a pilot... and an elementary school teacher, utilizing aviation and aerospace liberally in her outreach to her students at the Elementary school where she teaches, full-time. Her dedication to aviation is outstanding... as his her passion to fly... In F/O Glenn Fisher's recommendation letter, he noted that Christy showed up for her first flying lesson already having passed her PPL written exam... with a score of 98%. He also noted that in his ten years of flight instruction, that "Christy has proven herself to be the most hard working and enthusiastic student I have encountered."

Christy Garvin

The scholarship program was established in memory of US Aerobatic Team Pilot and IAC President Vicki Cruse. ANN has dedicated (and will continue to do so... and more) two $1000 scholarships for the purposes of allowing a Private Pilot to undertake basic aerobatic or unusual attitude flight training (or further training for skills already undertaken in that flight training regimen).

Vicki's own first aerobatic experiences opened up a whole new world of aviation to her and allowed to seek extraordinary adventures and achievements that culminated in her becoming one of the most respected and accomplished pilots in the sport aviation community.

The specifics required that selected candidates must hold a Private Pilot certificate and valid third class medical certificate and be a US citizen. Interested applicants were requested to submit a resume covering their educational, employment and flight history as well as a short written statement (500 words or less) outlining how they would employ aerobatic or unusual attitude training to further their goals in aviation and the role this training may play in their lives. The recipients were chosen based on their background, dedication to aviation, and the goals they espoused for this training. Final candidates were also interviewed (by phone) prior to the final decision.

Funds will be paid directly to each winner's flight school and must be used within one year of the award. ANN has offered to assist each winner with the selection of a flight school and training program, at their request.

FMI: Vicki Cruse Memorial Scholarship