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From Young Eagles to F-18s: How One Scholarship Transforming a Dream into a Career

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.  

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Meet Scholarship Recipient Gavin Watson

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.  

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Dreaming Big 

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.

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Meet Scholarship Recipient Kendrick Wilson

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

Applications Now Open: 2025 FOAWA Flight and Mechanics Scholarships  

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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

Wright Brothers Day: Celebrating the Pioneers of Flight  

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.  

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Give the Gift of Aviation This Holiday Season

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).  

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Help Dreams Take Flight – Join Us in Reaching Our $175,000 Scholarship Goal!

As we enter the season of giving, we’re reaching out to ask for your support in a cause that truly makes a difference. The Friends of Albert Whitted Airport (FOAWA), a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has set an ambitious goal of raising $175,000 to fund scholarships for aspiring aviation professionals. With your help, we can provide life-changing opportunities for future pilots—and, for the first time ever, we’re thrilled to announce two additional scholarships for aspiring airplane mechanics!

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Celebrating National Aviation History Month: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future

November marks National Aviation History Month, a time to celebrate the incredible achievements and innovations in aviation that have transformed our world. At Albert Whitted Airport, we are proud to honor our aviation heritage, the visionaries and pioneers who’ve pushed the limits of flight, and the thriving aviation community that continues to shape the future of the skies.

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Why We Need More Pilots: Ensuring the Future of Aviation

Aviation is at a critical juncture. As the industry continues to grow, the demand for pilots is reaching unprecedented levels. Yet, despite the clear need for more aviators, there is a looming pilot shortage that threatens to disrupt not just the commercial airline industry but also the broader aviation ecosystem, including smaller airports and general aviation. Understanding why we need more pilots and how communities, airports, and organizations like the Friends of Albert Whitted Airport (FOAWA) can help is essential to safeguarding the future of aviation.

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