2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way
Viera FL 32940
www.brevardfl.gov
Office: (321) 633-2000
Fax:
Viera FL 32940
www.brevardfl.gov
Office: (321) 633-2000
Fax:
Valkaria Airport Office
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, March 25, 2025 1:18 PM
Brevard County Student Awarded Prestigious Ray Aviation Scholarship
VALKARIA, FL. – The National Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) has selected Brevard County’s own Ava Hernandez as a recipient of the prestigious 2025 Ray Aviation Scholarship, an honor that will support her journey to earning a private pilot’s license.
Ava will be formally presented with the $12,000 scholarship on April 8 at 7 p.m. during the monthly meeting of the local EAA chapter, named after Tuskegee Airman General Daniel “Chappie” James, Jr. The meeting will take place at Valkaria Airport, where the chapter regularly gathers to inspire and support young aviators.
Ava’s nomination was put forward by the local EAA chapter in recognition of her dedication to aviation, her volunteer work at chapter events, commitment to flight training, and outstanding academic performance.
The General Chappie James Chapter plays a vital role in Valkaria Airport’s aviation community, introducing youth ages 8-17 to flying through the “Young Eagles” program. Additionally, the chapter hosts monthly pancake breakfasts to support its initiatives. Valkaria Airport Manager Adam Hied and Airport Operations Manager Liesl King-Tetrault, both active chapter members, were instrumental in Ava’s Ray Aviation Scholarship application.
Ava first became involved in aviation through The 99th Squadron, Incorporated, a Brevard-based nonprofit dedicated to exposing youth—particularly those from minority and underserved communities—to the diverse opportunities in the aviation industry. Established in 2020, the 99th Squadron provides a comprehensive introduction to aviation through a five-week program covering aerodynamics, air traffic control, meteorology, and navigation. The program extends beyond the classroom with hands-on experiences, including flights, air shows, aerospace facility visits, flight simulations, and drone operations.
This scholarship marks an exciting milestone in Ava’s aviation journey, furthering her aspirations and reinforcing the vital role organizations like the EAA and the 99th Squadron play in shaping the next generation of pilots.
For more information on the programs or offerings, visit the Valkaria Airport website, the General Chappie James EAA Chapter website, or The 99th Squadron website.
Ava will be formally presented with the $12,000 scholarship on April 8 at 7 p.m. during the monthly meeting of the local EAA chapter, named after Tuskegee Airman General Daniel “Chappie” James, Jr. The meeting will take place at Valkaria Airport, where the chapter regularly gathers to inspire and support young aviators.
Ava’s nomination was put forward by the local EAA chapter in recognition of her dedication to aviation, her volunteer work at chapter events, commitment to flight training, and outstanding academic performance.
The General Chappie James Chapter plays a vital role in Valkaria Airport’s aviation community, introducing youth ages 8-17 to flying through the “Young Eagles” program. Additionally, the chapter hosts monthly pancake breakfasts to support its initiatives. Valkaria Airport Manager Adam Hied and Airport Operations Manager Liesl King-Tetrault, both active chapter members, were instrumental in Ava’s Ray Aviation Scholarship application.
Ava first became involved in aviation through The 99th Squadron, Incorporated, a Brevard-based nonprofit dedicated to exposing youth—particularly those from minority and underserved communities—to the diverse opportunities in the aviation industry. Established in 2020, the 99th Squadron provides a comprehensive introduction to aviation through a five-week program covering aerodynamics, air traffic control, meteorology, and navigation. The program extends beyond the classroom with hands-on experiences, including flights, air shows, aerospace facility visits, flight simulations, and drone operations.
This scholarship marks an exciting milestone in Ava’s aviation journey, furthering her aspirations and reinforcing the vital role organizations like the EAA and the 99th Squadron play in shaping the next generation of pilots.
For more information on the programs or offerings, visit the Valkaria Airport website, the General Chappie James EAA Chapter website, or The 99th Squadron website.