Grant Sackel, president and founder of the Finger Lakes Aviation Foundation, and their representatives met at Ledgedale Airpark to interview student pilots who were selected to receive funding to go towards their flight training. According to Cynthia Pennington, owner of Ledgedale Flight Training, "This is very generous of the Finger Lakes Aviation Foundation to contribute funding to these aspiring pilots, especially during these difficult economic times." The foundation's mission is to encourage and inspire young people in the Rochester and surrounding area to pursue their dreams of flight. Finger Lakes Aviation Foundation does this by offering income-based flight training scholarships for people ages 16-21 who are passionate about aviation and are interested in aviation careers. In addition, Pennington says, "Many young prospective pilots come through this flight school and take their first flight lesson, but can't afford to take their dream of becoming a pilot further because of the cost associated in learning to fly. Because of budget cuts, and increased insurance premiums, educational aviation programs in the area are becoming extinct. Finger Lakes Aviation Foundation grants provide training scholarships for youth in the Rochester and surrounding areas. Finger Lakes Aviation Foundation accepts donations from those wishing to support such aviation training. Every donation contributes to helping meet the 2004 goal to raise $25,000. All donations to the Finger Lakes Aviation Foundation go toward scholarships and grants for our youth. Individuals interested in making a tax-deductible contribution to the Scholarship Challenge can do so by contacting the Finger Lakes Aviation Foundation at 585-352-9635 or Cynthia Pennington at 585-637-0210. |
