PenFed Credit Union Announces Young Aviator Scholarship Winner
Ohio Pen/10270304

TYSONS, Va., Aug. 8, 2024 ~ PenFed Credit Union has announced the winner of their Young Aviator Scholarship, which provides $10,000 to a deserving individual pursuing their pilot's license. The recipient of this year's scholarship is U.S. Air National Guard Senior Airmen Grace Swarts, who was chosen for her academic excellence while serving in the military.

According to PenFed Credit Union President/CEO and PenFed Foundation CEO James Schenck, Swarts is a talented individual who embodies "The Spirit of Aviation." He expressed pride in providing her with the necessary support to help her achieve her dreams of flying. The credit union chose to partner with the EAA Aviation Foundation for this scholarship because of their shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of pilots.

Swarts' passion for aviation began at a young age when she frequently visited the National Air Force Museum near her hometown of Dayton, Ohio. She joined the Air National Guard as an aircraft mechanic on the KC-135 and gained knowledge about aircraft mechanics. She then pursued aviation technology at University of Cincinnati Clermont and completed their two-year flight training program in just one year and three days. Her exceptional performance earned her the distinguished graduate award for having the highest grade percentage in her class. Swarts has also recently completed her CFI one and is currently working towards completing CFII.

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With this scholarship, Swarts plans to instruct at a flight academy and eventually fly for a regional airline to gain experience as a pilot. She expressed gratitude for being chosen as the recipient out of many hardworking and deserving applicants. The financial support from this scholarship will allow her to complete her Certified Flight Instructor training without any stress or worries about financing her aviation career.

In Swarts' own words, "When I achieve something so great, such as receiving this scholarship, it reminds me that all the hard work is worth it!" PenFed Credit Union and EAA Aviation Foundation are proud to support young aviators like Swarts and help them reach their goals in the aviation industry.

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