Aviation Scholarship Opportunity Presented to Local Student by EAA Chapter

(Alec Hakman was presented with the Ray Aviation Scholarship by Doug McDevitt, member and scholarship coordinator of local EAA Chapter 16. Left to right, Alec Hakman and Doug McDevitt)

Alec Hakman, a student at St. Anthony High School, has been awarded a full-scholarship opportunity for flight training, thanks to the collaborative efforts of EAA Chapter 16 in Effingham and the Ray Aviation Scholarship program administered by the Experimental Aircraft Association in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

The Ray Aviation Scholarship program provides up to $11,000 scholarships to young individuals aspiring to become pilots and covers all aspects of flight training necessary for FAA pilot certification, including both written and practical components.

The Ray Foundation is furthering the legacy of James C. Ray, an EAA lifetime member who was dedicated to aviation and youth education. Since its inception in 2019, the scholarship program has enabled over 350 youth to complete their flight training and acquire their pilot licenses. With a generous contribution of $1.8 million annually to fund the scholarship program, The Ray Foundation aims to improve the flight training success rate from the current industry standard of 20% to an impressive 80% percent for program participants, and has consistently surpassed its target each year.

The son of Tony and Christy Hakman of Effingham, Alec will receive his flight training at Murray Air in Greenville, IL and should receive his private pilot license upon turning seventeen, the minimum age set by the Federal Aviation Administration. As a member of the local EAA Chapter 16 and a student member of the EAA, Hakman has participated in the annual Young Eagles youth aviation education program which provides free flights to children.

Local EAA chapters play a critical role in the success of the Ray Aviation Scholarship program and are responsible for identifying qualified young men and women for scholarship as well as mentoring them throughout flight training. Scholarship recipients must commit to giving back to their local EAA chapters through volunteer service.

EAA Chapter 16 is one of 900 local chapters of the Experimental Aircraft Association, the world’s largest organization for recreational flying. The group meets at Effingham County Regional Airport on the second Thursday of each month. More information on EAA Chapter 16 is available by emailing EAAChapter16@gmail.com