FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Eric R. Byer
Vice President, Government and Industry Affairs
800-808-6282
ebyer@nata.aero
2009 NATF SCHOLARSHIPS GO TO JUDITH A. RICE AND CLINTON SWISSE
Alexandria, VA, July 6, 2010 — The National Air Transportation Foundation (NATF) awards Clinton Swisse of Deer Creek, Minnesota, the Dan L. Meisinger Sr. Memorial Learn to Fly Scholarship and Judith A. Rice of Jacksonville, Florida, the NATA Business Scholarship.
“NATA is dedicated to promoting safety, professionalism, education and training as a means for individuals to advance their careers. Through the NATF scholarships, we annually recognize the best and brightest in aviation,” said NATA Director of Training & Safety Amy B. Koranda.
The 2009 Dan L. Meisinger Sr. Memorial Learn to Fly Scholarship was awarded to Clinton Swisse, a sophomore at the University of North Dakota. He is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in aviation and working on his flight training while attending college. Swisse obtained his private pilot license from Janson Flying Service, Inc., and some of his greatest aviation memories are in the tiny cabin of a Cessna 150. He has a true love for general aviation and plans to complete his degree in aviation and continue his flight training.
The Dan L. Meisinger Sr. Memorial Learn to Fly Scholarship was established in the honor and memory of Dan L. Meisinger, Sr., whose career in aviation spanned 63 years. He was founder of Executive Beechcraft, headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, and was twice named Beech Aircraft’s Man of the Year. The Learn to Fly Scholarship is given annually to deserving college students enrolled in aviation programs to be used to pursue their academic goals. Semifinalists are selected by a committee based on their academic record, potential to succeed, leadership and participation in school and community activities, and relevant work experience.
The 2009 NATA Business Scholarship was awarded to Judith A. Rice, Aerospace Resource Center Program coordinator located on Cecil Field at the Aviation Center of Excellence of Florida State College in Jacksonville, Florida. Rice has a life-long passion for aviation and education, and her dream became reality in 1997 when she earned her private pilot license. Several years later, she completed her instrument rating followed by a commercial and advanced ground instructor certificate. Rice plans to work on her Certified Flight Instructor certificate at Sterling Flight Training, located on Craig Field in Jacksonville.
The annual NATA Business Scholarship was established for the continuing education of employees of NATA member companies. The applicants’ studies are directly related to furthering the skills applicable to working at an FBO, charter company, maintenance facility or flight school. Scholarship criteria include nomination and endorsement by a representative of a regular or associate member company of the NATA and demonstration of a commitment to general aviation.
“Judith Rice and Clinton Swisse are two highly dedicated, conscientious, and enthusiastic students of aviation. We look forward to seeing their careers soar,” said Koranda.
More information on NATF Scholarships, and the recipients, can be found at www.nata.aero/scholarships.
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NATA, the voice of aviation business, is the public policy group representing the interests of aviation businesses before the Congress and federal agencies.