NBAA Announces 12 Scholarships Awarded at 2024 NBAA-BACE

Contact: Dan Hubbard, 202-431-5970, [email protected]

Washington, DC, Oct. 20, 2024 - The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), through NBAA Charities, offers a wide range of scholarships that support young people seeking careers in business aviation. At this week's NBAA's Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), 12 students will be receiving the following awards:

William M. Fanning Maintenance Scholarship

Named in honor of retired NBAA staff member William M. Fanning, who was active in maintenance issues during his nearly 20-year tenure at the association, the Fanning Scholarship recognizes individuals who are studying to enter the field of business aviation maintenance.

This year's recipients are:

• Mark Telfer, a student at Columbus State Community College studying to become an aviation maintenance technician.

• Preston Lavongsar, a student at Aviation Institute of Maintenance studying to become an aviation maintenance technician.

The Corporate Aviation Association Scholarship for Future Leaders

Awards made available by Corporate Aviation Association are presented to aspiring business aviation schedulers or dispatchers, maintenance professionals, pilots or flight attendants. The scholarship selection committee focused on applicants who are able to express their dedication to furthering the business aviation industry.

This year's recipients are:

• Elisa Ajamian, a student at Vanderbilt University studying to become an engineer, while working on building hours.

• Brianna Zahn, a student at the University of Missouri studying business management with plans to become a scheduler or dispatcher.

• Mason Hahne, a student at Dutchess Community College focusing on becoming an aviation maintenance technician.

• Brandy Cosby, a student at University of Memphis studying psychology, with plans to become a business aviation flight attendant.

Lawrence Ginocchio Aviation Scholarship

The Lawrence Ginocchio Aviation Scholarship was created in 2001 by NBAA Charities, along with the family and friends of the late Lawrence Ginocchio, to honor his outstanding personal contribution to business aviation.

This year's recipients are:

• Margaret Colwell, a student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University majoring in human factors and psychology.

• Jacob Swisher, a student at Auburn University majoring in flight.

• Cody Skartveit, a student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University studying aeronautical science.

• Evan Napp, a student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University studying aeronautical science.

Al Conklin and Bill de Decker Business Aviation Management Scholarship

Conklin & de Decker, in coordination with NBAA, established the Alan H. Conklin Business Aviation Management Scholarship in 2007 to benefit undergraduates pursuing careers in business aviation management. At the 2014 convention, the award was renamed to recognize Bill de Decker, and his dedication to business aviation.

This year's recipient is:

• Patterson Branyon - a student at Auburn University studying aviation management and finance.

John F. Rahilly Memorial Scholarship for Future A&P Technicians

The Rahilly family created this scholarship in coordination with NBAA Charities to honor the life of John F. Rahilly, who worked for more than 40 years as an A & P technician, largely in business aviation. He eventually became president of KC Aviation and later held upper management positions at Gulfstream, BBA, Mercury Air Centers and Dassault Falcon Jet.

This year's recipient is:

• Patrick Lombardozzi - a student at Lewis University studying Aviation Maintenance

NBAA Charities offers monetary and training scholarships for both students and aviation professionals, such as flight department managers, pilots, maintenance technicians, schedulers, dispatchers, flight attendants and flight technicians. These scholarships, which total nearly $100,000 annually, are administered by NBAA standing committees and would not be possible without the generous financial support of NBAA member donors.

To learn more about the numerous scholarship opportunities offered by NBAA Charities, contact Molly Hitch, NBAA senior manager of professional development, at (202) 783-9353 or [email protected].

Learn more about NBAA's scholarship program.

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Founded in 1947 and based in Washington, DC, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is the leading organization for companies that rely on general aviation aircraft to help make their businesses more efficient, productive and successful. The association represents more than 10,000 company and professional members and provides more than 100 products and services to the business aviation community, including the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), the world's largest civil aviation trade show. Learn more about NBAA at nbaa.org.

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