Includes Experience at EAA's Air Academy

Five aviation students in the University of North Dakota John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences program have been selected to receive $12,500 scholarships through the EAA Aviation Foundation and renowned aviator Clay Lacy.

The five recipients -- Greg Peterson of Superior (WI); Leonard Brunette of South Range (WI); Kent Fujimoto of Hilo (HI); Malia Mosman of Salem (OR); and Darren Schultz of Bismarck (ND) -- were selected based on flight abilities, academic achievements and past accomplishments. As part of their scholarships, they will serve as flight instructors and counselors during EAA's annual Air Academy summer camps in Oshkosh this summer.

The Clay Lacy (right) Professional Pilot Scholarships assist young aviation enthusiasts to reach their dreams through providing practical aviation experience and guidance. Eighty percent of the renewable scholarship is directed toward flight training expenses at UND's Odegard School, while the other 20 percent is applied to participation in the EAA summer program.

"This scholarship program is an excellent way for young aviators to advance their education and gain some outstanding experience at the same time," said Dr. Lee Siudzinski, EAA Vice President of Education. "The program shows how diverse segments of the aviation community can come together to support the next generation of pilots and leaders."

Clay Lacy, who funded these scholarships, is one of the nation's most highly accomplished aviators.  In a career spanning more than 50 years, he has been renowned for his piloting abilities in many arenas, including airlines, military, air racing, test flying, business aviation and film/television work. Lacy funded the scholarship program to help young people pursue professional pilot careers.

The University of North Dakota Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences and the UND Aerospace Foundation (UNDAF) are international leaders in collegiate and contract aviation education and training services, flying over 115,000 hours per year in over 120 aircraft. The UND Aerospace training complex is the most technologically advanced environment for aerospace education, training and research in the world.

EAA's education programs, including scholarship opportunities, Air Academy residence camps and other activities, are possible through the EAA Aviation Foundation, which was founded in 1962 and is dedicated to aviation education, preservation and research. Its headquarters are at the EAA Aviation Center in Oshkosh (WI).

FMI: www.und.edu, www.eaa.org