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When Emily Anderson moved from a small New England town to St. Petersburg, Florida, she never imagined that the skies above her new home would change the course of her life. Arriving at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, she was eager to find a passion and a sense of belonging. She didn’t expect that moment to arrive in the middle of freshman orientation, when, almost as if by fate, she caught sight of a small airplane soaring above the conference room window. Something inside her clicked.

A Story of Resilience

For one St. Petersburg native, Albert Whitted Airport has always felt like an integral part of the city. As a child, Noble O’Connor spent countless hours climbing on the playground while his older brother attended Civil Air Patrol meetings. Even then, the sight of planes taking off and landing sparked a fascination that would eventually grow into a full-fledged passion for aviation.  

For Braelynn Bolger, aviation is more than just flying—it’s a way to make a difference in people’s lives. Growing up in Riverview, Florida, she was surrounded by aviation from an early age. Her father, a former lineman at Bay Air at Albert Whitted Airport, shared stories of flying that fueled her fascination with the skies. She spent her childhood attending airshows at MacDill Air Force Base and Sun ’n Fun, where she met inspiring pilots who showed her what was possible. But it wasn’t until she sat in the backseat of a plane in 2022, watching her father regain his currency, that she knew she had to pursue flight training herself.  

Meet Scholarship Recipient Kiersten Gulick

Aviation has a way of calling to those who are meant to fly. For 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.  

Gavin Watson is no ordinary 20-year-old. Recently, he achieved a major milestone in his aviation journey, earning his multi-engine commercial pilot license—a critical step toward his ultimate dream of becoming an airline pilot. But Gavin’s story isn’t just about hard work and determination; it’s also about the life-changing impact of a scholarship that made his success possible.  

By Scholarship Recipient Kathryn Bremer

I was born and raised in Key West, where I lived my entire life until 2022. My love for aviation began on the ground, but everything changed when I took my first eco-discovery flight at the Marathon Airport. That experience transformed my passion for aviation and gave me a new perspective from behind the flight controls.

When Kendrick Wilson gazes at the skies over St. Petersburg, Florida, he doesn’t just see clouds and sunshine—he sees endless possibilities. Born and raised in this vibrant city, Kendrick’s passion for aviation was sparked by two simple yet profound things: the breathtaking views from above and the opportunity to serve others. Read More

The Friends of Albert Whitted Airport (FOAWA) is thrilled to announce that applications are now open for the 2025 Flight and Mechanics Scholarships!

These scholarships are designed to support developing pilots and aviation mechanics, helping them achieve their career goals and contribute to the aviation industry’s future.  Read More

Every year on December 17th, we pause to honor the incredible legacy of Orville and Wilbur Wright, the visionaries who turned the dream of powered flight into reality. Known as Wright Brothers Day, this special occasion commemorates their historic achievement on December 17, 1903, when they completed the world’s first controlled, powered, and sustained heavier-than-air flight near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.  

For kids who light up at the sight of a plane soaring overhead or dream of being in the cockpit, there’s no gift quite like the chance to be part of the world of aviation. This holiday season, you can inspire their passion for flight while supporting a meaningful cause with the Ground Crew Trainee Membership, offered by the Friends of Albert Whitted Airport (FOAWA).