NBAA Announces 14 Scholarships Awarded at 2022 NBAA-BACE

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), through NBAA Charities, offers a wide range of scholarships that support young people seeking careers in business aviation. At the 2022 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Orlando, Florida, 14 students will receive the following awards: William M. Fanning Maintenance Scholarship Named in honor of retired NBAA staff member William M. Fanning, who was active in maintenance issues during his nearly 20-year tenure at the association, the Fanning Scholarship recognizes individuals who are studying to enter the field of business aviation maintenance. This year’s recipients are:

• Lei Huot, a student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University majoring in aviation maintenance science
• Dana Frost, a student at the School of Missionary Aviation Technology studying aviation maintenance

Fred and Diane Fitts Aviation Scholarship

This award is made available by Fred and Diane Fitts, and is presented to aspiring business aviation schedulers or dispatchers, maintenance professionals, pilots or flight attendants. The scholarship selection committee focused on applicants that are able to express their dedication to furthering the business aviation industry. This year’s recipients are:

• Leah Murphy, a student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University studying to become a professional pilot
• Alicia Martinez, a student at Pennsylvania College of Technology studying aviation maintenance with plans to become a maintenance professional
• Aidon Olligschlager, a student at Eastern Michigan University studying aviation management technology with plans to become a scheduler or dispatcher
• Juliana Mutinda, a student at Air Travel and Related Studies Centre and plans to become a corporate flight attendant

Lawrence Ginocchio Aviation Scholarship

The Lawrence Ginocchio Aviation Scholarship was created in 2001 by NBAA Charities, along with the family and friends of the late Lawrence Ginocchio, to honor his outstanding personal contribution to business aviation. This year’s recipients, selected for demonstrating honesty, integrity and selflessness, are:

• Katie Konicki, a student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University majoring in aviation business administration
• David Barajas, a student at Saint Louis University majoring in aeronautics, concentration: flight science
• Grant Williams, a student at Kansas State University - Salina studying aerospace
• Jake Reid, a student at California Aeronautical University studying aeronautics
• Joseph Rattay, a student at Eastern Michigan University studying aviation flight technology

Al Conklin and Bill de Decker Business Aviation Management Scholarship

Conklin & de Decker, in coordination with NBAA, established the Alan H. Conklin Business Aviation Management Scholarship in 2007 to benefit undergraduates pursuing careers in business aviation management. At the 2014 NBAA convention the award was renamed to recognize Bill de Decker and his dedication to business aviation.

• Shayne Grant - A student at Purdue University studying aviation management

UAA Janice K. Barden Aviation Scholarship

This scholarship is named for the late Janice K. Barden, who was active in the aviation community for decades and who served as chair of the NBAA-BACE Local Committee eight times, more than any other person in NBAA history.

• Caroline Kelley - a student at University of North Dakota studying to become a pilot

John F. Rahilly Memorial Scholarship for Future A&P Technicians

The Rahilly family created this scholarship in coordination with NBAA Charities to honor the life of John F. Rahilly, who spent more than  40 years as an A & P Technician, the majority of which was in business aviation. He eventually became the president of KC Aviation and later held upper management positions at Gulfstream, BBA, Mercury Air Centers and Dassault Falcon Jet.

• Philip Krzyszton - a student at Northland Community and Technical College studying aviation maintenance