Meet Scholarship Recipient Kiersten Gulick
Aviation has a way of calling to those who are meant to fly. For high school junior, Kiersten Gulick, that call came early—but it took a few twists of fate, a strong community, and the support of a Friends of Albert Whitted Airport scholarship to turn her childhood fascination into a full-fledged career path.
Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Kiersten embodies the spirit of resilience, passion, and adventure. A multi-sport athlete, artist, and dedicated student, she thrives in high-energy environments, whether she’s wake surfing, skiing, or navigating the skies. But her journey to the cockpit wasn’t a straight line—it was a series of moments that, when pieced together, reveal a story of grit, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to her dream.
A Spark Ignited by History and Family
For Kiersten, aviation wasn’t an abstract dream—it was tangible and deeply rooted in her family. Her mother, who grew up flying, encouraged her to take her first flight on a Young Eagles Day. That single experience changed everything.
But it wasn’t just family influence that fueled her passion. In third grade, she was assigned to research Amelia Earhart, and what started as a simple school project turned into an obsession. The mystery surrounding Earhart’s disappearance and the boldness of her legacy planted a seed in Kiersten’s mind: aviation was more than just flight—it was about pushing limits and rewriting possibilities.
Navigating Setbacks and Staying the Course
Pursuing a dream in aviation isn’t without its turbulence. Kiersten faced significant setbacks, from losing months of training due to hurricanes to having to redo her solo after her endorsement expired. Juggling a rigorous course load, volunteering at the Pinellas County Courthouse, and working part-time at a downtown St. Pete restaurant only added to the challenge for this ambitious 17-year-old.
But where others might have seen obstacles, Kiersten saw opportunities to grow. “Patience and perseverance,” she says, have been the two guiding forces in her journey. With the FOAWA scholarship, she found not only financial support but also the motivation to push through every roadblock.
Lessons from the Sky
Flight training has given Kiersten some unforgettable moments—some exhilarating, others humbling.
She’ll never forget her instructor cutting the power mid-flight, reinforcing a lesson about keeping her hand on the throttle. Or the time she flew over the “black hole” in Venice, where the illusion of darkness reminded her just how much pilots have to trust their instruments.
Most importantly, she’s learned something about herself: she thrives in challenges, has little fear, and embraces pushing beyond her comfort zone.
A Future Written in the Clouds
Kiersten’s ultimate dream? To fly F-18s and private charters while owning her own plane. She envisions a life where aviation is not just a career but a personal freedom—a way to explore the world on her own terms.
But beyond personal ambition, she’s deeply committed to giving back. She’s already making an impact by assisting with fundraising for the Albert Whitted documentary and inspiring the next generation through aerospace events for local schoolchildren. She wants young people, especially those who think aviation is out of reach, to see that the sky is not the limit—it’s just the beginning.
A Message to Aspiring Aviators
Kiersten’s advice to those considering applying for the FOAWA scholarship?
“Apply.”
“Not just for the financial support,” she says, “but because it connects you to a community that will change your life. Aviation isn’t a race—progress looks different for everyone. The only person you should measure yourself against is yourself.”
Her journey is a testament to that philosophy. Setbacks didn’t define her; they strengthened her. And thanks to FOAWA, she’s not just chasing her dreams—she’s flying straight toward them.