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More women are given a unique opportunity to grow as professional pilots through the efforts of a collaborative Hart Nation. With over $40,000 in flight training funds, industry packages, pilot gear and equipment, I Hart Flying Foundation (IHFF) continues their mission to aid women of all ages in flight, announcing five new scholars for their "Hands Lift, Harts Propel, a Nation Delivers" scholarship opportunity that launched August 1. With this newest class of Hart Scholars, IHFF reached a new milestone in scholarship funding and packages, seeing over $200,000 and 35 scholars on record for the young nonprofit.
"Each themed scholarship opportunity builds from the previous, and with the popularity of our high-energy campaigns, we see new partners come to the table to aid women in flight," shared Rachelle Spector, founder of I Hart Flying Foundation. "The Hart Scholarship Committee, our amazing partners and I are honored to announce our five new Hart Scholars! Congratulations to Amanda Barker, Harley Lenart, Roxxane Kruse, Aliyyah Adio and Olivia Allen. These ladies put in the time, effort and commitment to merit this award."
"I am absolutely thrilled to have been chosen for I Hart Flying's, ‘Hands Lift, Harts Propel, a Nation Delivers' scholarship,'' shared Roxxane Kruse who is based in Denver Col. "I am so thankful to have been granted this opportunity to represent this foundation and help empower the many amazing women pursuing their goal of becoming pilots."
This themed opportunity was funded through the support of veteran partners Immaculate Flight, Sheltair, AEG Fuels, and new partner, Ft. Lauderdale Executive Airport. Special industry packages are extended to scholars from loyal partners King Schools, Bose Aviation, Aerox Aviation Oxygen Systems, Go Rentals, Boeing Business Jets, AOPA, Titan Aviation Fuels, Flying Magazine, Airbus Corporate Jets, FlyteCo Brewing, On Final Apparel, Jet Support Services, Inc., Dassault Falcon Jet, Starbucks, and Veryon.
"I am truly honored and humbled to be selected as a recipient for the ‘Hands Lift, Harts Propel, A Nation Delivers' scholarship, expressed Aliyyah Adio out of Atlanta, Ga. "My aviation journey has served as invaluable lessons which have instilled in me patience, resilience, and perseverance. I encourage everyone to persist in pursuing their dreams."
This cycle of awards marks the second large scholarship offering as part of IHFF's multi-year campaign, Hart Aviation Nation Delivers - H.A.N.D. for short. To date, nine women became Hart Scholars receiving over $50,000 in flight training awards and packages. Plans for the third themed scholarship opportunity for the campaign are already underway.
"Receiving the ‘Hands Lift, Harts Propel, a Nation Delivers' scholarship is a profound privilege, and I'm sincerely grateful," shared Amanda Barker from Tampa Fl., newest Hart Scholar. " I'm equally thrilled about partnering with I Hart Flying Foundation to expand the Hart Nation enabling more women, like myself, to soar toward their aviation aspirations."
Harley Lenart, Hart Scholar in Chapel Hill, Tn. shared, "One criterion that weighs heavily for me in anything I do is to serve an entity with high professional standards. I Hart Flying exemplifies these standards by their commitment to developing and encouraging the future of women in aviation. I cannot wait to be included in this family!"
I Hart Flying team members, board and Hart scholars were in Denver, Col. August 18-20 to facilitate an impactful STEM and aviation outreach event at Sheltair's Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (KBJC) on National Aviation Day, August 19. In collaboration with industry support and sponsorship by Sheltair and Avfuel, the Hart team flew aboard the historic C-47 Legend Airways ‘Liberty' marking a highlight display for the outreach event to over 25 youth. Four discovery flights were awarded from exhibiting flight schools: Rocky Mountain, Western Air Flight Academy and McAir Aviation. Jeppesen, Cirrus Aircraft and the CAF Mile High Wing all provided educational aircraft displays and exhibits. LL Johns Aviation Insurance aided with a lunch sponsorship and additional event support was extended by partners Go Rentals, King Schools and Gogo Business Aviation.
"Sheltair was proud to host I Hart Flying Foundation at BJC," shared Greg Garghill, general manager for Sheltair's BJC location. "Inspiring the next generation and helping to ensure the future of the aviation industry is a shared mission and passion. We're delighted to have the opportunity to help make dreams into reality for these young aviators through IHFF's scholarship program and A Hart's Nation hands-on outreach event."
On the evening of National Aviation Day, I Hart Flying was the benefitting nonprofit for FlyteCo Tower's one year anniversary. The event brought over 100 VIPs, patrons and friends to celebrate the milestone and continue advancing the aviation industry through support of IHFF. Through ticket sales and a silent auction, $7,500 was raised toward Hart scholarships and outreach programming. As part of I Hart Flying's commitment to their scholars, the nonprofit is more than just scholarship awards. They had five former Hart Scholars attend all events in Denver and continue to be an organization that provides scholars unique opportunities to attend outreach events, airshows and conventions where IHFF holds a presence.
"Eleanor Roosevelt once said ‘the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.' I am so incredibly grateful to I Hart Flying for not only believing in me, but for granting me the opportunity to keep chasing my dream," expressed Olivia Allen, newest Hart Scholar based in Indianapolis, In. "With the funds, I get to continue my mission of showing others that those with disabilities are not disabled from doing amazing things."
Immaculate Flight and AEG Fuels, beyond the scholarship funding, have generously extended travel and registration needs for several of the new Hart Scholars to attend NBAA-BACE in Las Vegas, October 17-19, where they will get a chance to meet all partners, engage with NBAA's YoPro programming, network and build solid industry relationships. This will provide Hart scholars an opportunity to build camaraderie with one another, as they now share a similar experience in the Hart Nation.