With a longstanding commitment to supporting the future of aviation, Avfuel has announced its 25th scholarship class, distributing a further US$5,000 in scholarship monies to individuals pursuing careers and advancements in aviation.
In total, one AVTRIP Scholarship recipient and three Avfuel Pilot-in-Training Scholarship recipients were selected from the 2023 applicant pool: Cherry Kan, Rachel Marrow, Tariq Collins and Evan Unzicker.
Kan, recipient of the US$2,000 AVTRIP Scholarship said, “I feel incredibly honored to have been chosen as the recipient of the AVTRIP Scholarship, generously supported by Avfuel. Navigating this journey becoming a professional pilot as a second career, the scholarship will not only provide valuable financial assistance, but also grant a sense of support from Avfuel. Beyond the immediate financial aid, being a scholarship recipient deepens my connection to the AVTRIP rewards program as a pilot, and I eagerly look forward to being a loyal member for years to come. My ultimate career aspiration is to fly internationally for a Michigan-based company as a corporate pilot. I am beyond grateful that Avfuel is with me on this journey.”
With her US$1,500 Avfuel Pilot-in-Training Scholarship, Marrow looks forward to supplementing her private pilot’s license with a commercial license and instrument rating.
“Upon learning that I was selected for the Avfuel Pilot-in-Training Scholarship, I was genuinely honored,” said Marrow. “This scholarship holds immense significance for me as it serves as a crucial financial aid toward realizing my aspiration of becoming an airline pilot. The financial burden associated with flight training is substantial, and this scholarship will alleviate some of the costs for both myself and my family.”
Collins, recipient of the US$1,000 Avfuel Pilot-in-Training Scholarship, is a flight attendant from the south side of Chicago. Flying on a plane for the first time when he was just six years old changed his life forever thanks to the pilots on board. He sets out to invest his time in aviation education in order to increase awareness of aviation opportunities in underrepresented communities.
“I want to be the inspiration for someone else that looks like me to be able to pursue their dreams with confidence,” said Collins.
Unzicker, recipient of the US$500 Avfuel Pilot-in-Training Scholarship, is an early high school graduate and current student at Parkland College. He refers to his passion for aviation as all-encompassing. His professional goal is to become a private pilot who prioritizes safety and community connection. Paired with his love for aviation is an unwavering dedication to the craft.
“This scholarship is a big financial assistance to me as I have been working various part-time jobs to pay for my schooling,” Unzicker said. “Thank you so much for selecting me as a scholarship recipient.”
Vice president of marketing at Avfuel, Marci Ammerman said, “It is incredible to see the true passion these students have for aviation—a passion we at Avfuel share. It is our honor to reward aspiring and inspiring aviators; in doing so, we can support the future of an industry we love. It’s a mission we continue to prioritize year after year.”
