A Future Pilot’s Journey: From Runway to Reality
From the moment Ana stepped out of the cockpit after her first flight at 13 years old in Hood River, Oregon, she knew she was meant to be a pilot. That flight ignited a passion that has only grown stronger with every experience, conversation, and challenge she’s embraced. Now a dedicated aviation student, she is fully committed to turning that dream into reality. With her sights set on becoming an international cargo pilot, Ana actively pursues every opportunity to learn, fly, and share her journey with others.
Ana is as strong in character as she is in skill. A lifelong athlete, she has spent the past eight years mastering aerial acrobatics and currently competes on her high school sailing team. On top of her athletic and academic commitments—where she maintains an A/B average in a full schedule of honors classes—she also works full-time and is a valued employee known for her strong work ethic, reliability, and dedication. She thrives in her EAA chapter, #1467 The Tree Top Flyers, where she eagerly engages with members, soaking in their unique aviation experiences and wisdom. Her curiosity and love for learning fuel her ability to problem-solve and think critically, qualities that will serve her well as a future pilot.
Beyond her achievements, Ana is a kindhearted and fiercely loyal individual who values respect and inclusivity. She treats everyone with kindness, no matter their background, and is passionate about educating others about aviation—especially fellow students and teens in her community. As the eldest daughter of a single mother, a devoted sister, a full-time worker, and a determined future pilot, she leads with love, patience, and responsibility. Whether she’s soaring through the skies, solving a challenge, or excelling in her job, Ana brings a sense of determination, warmth, and respect to everything she does.
Ana is actively pursuing multiple EAA-sponsored scholarships to support her journey to becoming a pilot. She is currently applying for the Ray Aviation Scholarship, which provides up to $12,000 toward flight training, and the Kylie Murray Memorial Scholarship, a special opportunity for female scholars to receive additional funding. She is also working on several other EAA scholarship applications to help fund her path to earning her Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating, and beyond.
Beyond these applications, Ana is also seeking scholarship opportunities through GirlVenture Camp at this year’s AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI. GirlVenture is a prestigious aviation program designed to inspire young women to pursue careers in aviation and aerospace. Ana hopes to earn a scholarship while at camp this summer, as well as return in future years as a mentor to support and guide the next generation of aspiring female pilots.
While scholarships are a key part of her funding strategy, individual donations and sponsorships are also essential in filling the gaps that scholarships may not fully cover. Every contribution—whether from generous individuals, businesses, or aviation supporters—helps Ana continue her training, cover necessary expenses, and stay on track to achieving her dream.
If you’d like to be part of Ana’s journey, visit the Fundraising page or click “Help Me Soar – Donate Now” to contribute!
Ana’s passion for aviation, strong work ethic, and dedication to her future have not gone unnoticed. She has earned the respect and support of mentors, instructors, colleagues, and community members who have witnessed her determination firsthand. These letters of recommendation reflect the confidence and admiration from those who have guided and worked alongside her, highlighting her commitment, leadership, and potential as a future pilot.
Read what others have to say about Ana and why she is a deserving recipient of aviation scholarships and support.
Ana’s dream of becoming a pilot is within reach, but it takes a community of supporters to help her soar. While she is working hard to secure scholarships, there are still funding gaps that need to be filled to keep her on track toward her Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating, and beyond. Every donation, sponsorship, and share of her story helps push her closer to her goal.
Right now, we are working to raise an initial $3,000 alongside her EAA chapter, which will serve as the required 25% matching funds for the Ray Aviation Scholarship. By contributing to this effort, you are directly helping Ana secure up to $12,000 in scholarship funding toward her flight training.
**Anything raised beyond the $3,000 match will go directly into Ana’s aviation account and be exclusively used for her flight training, licensing exams, and aviation studies.
If you’d like to be part of Ana’s journey, click "Help Me Soar – Donate Now" to contribute! Every donation, no matter the size, makes a meaningful impact in helping her achieve her aviation dreams.
By downloading and sharing this flyer, you’re helping Ana reach more supporters who can contribute to her training and fuel her dream of becoming an international cargo pilot. Share it with friends, family, local businesses, and aviation enthusiasts to help her take the next step in her flight career.
Thank you for being part of Ana’s journey—every share makes a difference!
My ultimate goal is to become an international cargo pilot. I plan to earn my private pilot’s license by my 17th birthday, followed by my instrument and commercial ratings. I am very dedicated to gaining as much flight experience as possible through training, simulator practice, and mentorship from experienced pilots like the many I am blessed to be surrounded by in my chapter (#1467). My passion for flying drives me and I am excited to explore all opportunities that will help me achieve my goal and contribute to the industry.
I have been interested in aviation since I was 13 when I took my first flight in a Cessna 150 in Oregon before moving to SC in 2022. Since taking my first flight, I’ve attended Young Eagle events in three states (OR, WA, & SC), attended AirVenture 2023, and plan to attend Sun-N-Fun in April 2025 to scout aviation colleges. My short-term goal is to have my private license and studying for my instrument rating by my 17th birthday. My long-term goal is to be an international cargo pilot as my future career.
I’m actively involved in EAA Chapter 1467 in Gilbert, SC, and have made a very friendly community there. I’m always looking for ways to be involved with my chapter by volunteering at every meeting to set up tables, chairs, food preparation, and assist with cleanup. I look forward to volunteering at our next fly-in this summer. Our chapter is filled with past and present pilots who graciously help me grow as a pilot.
Receiving the Ray Aviation Scholarship would allow me to continue training without financial worry and stay on track toward my goals. As an athlete, honor student, and the oldest child of a single mother, I understand the value of hard work, responsibility, and perseverance. My dedication and passion for aviation make me a strong candidate, and this scholarship would provide crucial support in pursuing my dream. I would be honored to use this opportunity to further my education and contribute to the aviation community.
At my High School I have a 90 minute Study Hall class every other day that I have been using to go through ground school when I do not have regular school work to do. I also work on ground school at home in the evenings and weekends.
I currently work at a café after school and on weekends, I plan to continue to work and save to help pay for flight training along with donations from friends and family who are excited to see me succeed. I am also creating a website where I plan to make and sell bracelets and homemade fudge to help raise additional funds. As an athlete (I am currently on my High School Sailing Team and in my 8th year of Aerial Acrobatics) and former Girl Scout, I am very good at entrepreneurship and raising funds for good causes, and believe my future is the best cause of all.
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