Lakeland, Florida: The Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE) is proud to announce four (4) more James C. Ray Scholarship recipients have earned their wings! Each of these students achieved this milestone following very different paths but together they join a very elite group of young adults that have earned their private pilot license prior to graduating from high school.
Scottie Larson (far left), 17, is the President of the Unmanned Squadron Club and member of the golf team. He is interested in pursuing a career in Aviation Management.
Peter Rust (2nd from left), 17, has his eye on the U.S. Air Force after graduation and is already pursuing his IFR certificate.
Phillip Barr (far right), 17, is a member of the National Honor Society and golf team. He is interested in pursuing a career in aerospace engineering.
Sean Stoltz (2nd from right), 17, is a member of the Lakeland Aero Club is looking to pursue a career as a commercial airline pilot although a recent encounter with the Blue Angels may entice him to take a second look at options in the military.
The James C. Ray Scholarship is currently open to all resident students of Polk County, Florida. Scottie, Peter and Sean attend Central Florida Aerospace Academy and Phillip attends George Jenkins High School Engineering Academy. Both high schools are part of the Polk County Public School System.
Eric Washburn, Flight Scholarship Coordinator, Aerospace Center for Excellence (center left) and John “Lites” Leenhouts, CEO, SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In (center right) were on-hand to congratulate the young men on their recent accomplishment. “These four students may have achieved a similar lifetime milestone but their career aspirations highlight the vast array of opportunities that are possible once you earn a private pilot license. As we say here at ACE – the sky is just the beginning” said Leenhouts.
About Aerospace Center for Excellence, Inc.:
The Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE), a 501(c)(3) non-profit, has emerged as a nationally recognized leader in STEM-related and aerospace education through its various learning centers, outreach programs, summer camps and scholarships aimed at preparing students for tomorrow’s aerospace challenges. Located on the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus in Lakeland, Florida, the organization is known for its annual SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In and Expo fundraising event as well as the Aerospace Discovery Museum which is Florida’s Official Aviation Museum and Education Center. ACE is the world’s leader in producing licensed teenage private pilots and delivers youth programs that engage over 30,000 students a year. For more information, www.ACEedu.aero.
