HAYWARD, California — Even though EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and the EAA Advanced Air Academy have been cancelled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the folks at the Hayward Air Rally decided to award two scholarships to students so they could attend the Air Academy in 2021.
The winners of the scholarships are Autumn Legge of Nevada City, California, and Evan Beach of Santa Rosa, California.
The scholarships are funded by the Hayward Air Rally, the longest continually-held proficiency flying event in North America.
“With the support of the city of Hayward, our industry partners and sponsors, and participating rally pilots and crew, we are pleased to continue our scholarship program this year and offer this unique summer camp opportunity to outstanding youth representing any of the three airports to be visited on the rally,” said Chris Verbil, a member of the board of directors for the Hayward Air Rally. “As part of our non-profit mission, it is important for us to assist in development of the next generation of pilots, professional flight crew, aerospace engineers, and other industry professionals who will work to build and improve on our nation’s transportation lifeline.”
The Air Academy, located in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, is an in-residence summer camp for students to develop and explore their interests in aviation. The Academy camps provide the foundation for a life-long love of aviation, as well as the opportunity to create friendships with fellow aviation enthusiasts.
“Due to anticipated continuing social restrictions for the COVID-19 pandemic, EAA has canceled this year’s Air Academy sessions and our scholarship winners have agreed to attend in 2021,” rally officials noted.
The 56th annual Air Rally will be conducted Oct. 1-3, 2020, originating at Hayward Executive Airport and continuing over a challenging and competitive route through Bakersfield, California, with a final destination of Bullhead City, Arizona.