Bay Cities 2023 Scholarship Recipients
Aspen Blue – The Maria D’Amato Memorial Advanced Rating Scholarship
I was introduced to aviation through a local program for high schoolers, where I spent an entire summer flying and learning. Now I mentor the program and am involved in as many programs as I can that allow me to share my passion with others. I am incredibly grateful for the Bay Cities 99s; with their help, I was able to finish the training needed for my commercial pilot training, and successfully passed my check-ride! I plan to continue my journey by completing my CFI next and keep doing what I love.
Cherish Wurts – The Jean Tinsley Memorial Student Pilot Scholarship
I am a junior at Homestead High School in Cupertino, California. I started training for my Private Pilot Certificate last year, and since then, I’ve been looking for ways to give back to the aviation community. A few months ago, I began to work with the West Valley Flying Club’s maintenance team to help keep the fleet healthy. In addition, the joy and excitement of flying propelled me to create the Future Pilots Club at school to inspire my classmates to take on their own dreams of flying.
Yi Li – The Jean Tinsley Memorial Student Pilot Scholarship
I started private pilot training when I was three months pregnant.
Despite many challenges, I completed solo, written exams, and dual cross country before labor. Now I am excited to return to the aviation journey with my baby. Also, I am a software engineer. One day, I will combine my passion and create a cutting-edging transportation software platform for pilots.
Dale Sumersille – The Jean Tinsley Memorial Student Pilot Scholarship
I am a student pilot and member of the Sacramento Valley chapter of the 99s and am training in a Cessna 150 with the Girls Love To Fly flight school based at the McClellan Airport. I have been in the Recreation & Park profession for over 47 years, received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Recreation Administration, and a Certified Non-Profit Professional certification from the University of the Pacific. I have a Master’s degree in Business Administration in Marketing & Management from CSU Stanislaus and am the Grants Administrator for the City of Davis.
