Sheltair and Avfuel Name 2024 Future Takes Flight Scholarship Recipients

Sheltair Aviation, a leading aviation services company, and Avfuel Corporation, the leading independent supplier of aviation fuel and services, are excited to announce the six recipients of the 2024 Sheltair & Avfuel: Future Takes Flight Scholarship.

The third annual scholarship provides a total of $30,000 in educational funds, awarding six $5,000 scholarships across three categories: Learning to Fly, Aviation Technicians and Continuing Education. The scholarships are to be used to further their education within the business aviation sector.

The 2024 scholarship class includes Aaron Borgens of Fort Collins, Colorado; Cynthia Encinas of Hurst, Texas; Alyssa McColly of Sanford, Florida; Juan Pablo Prada Londono of Keller, Texas; McKell Tew of Ladson, South Carolina; and Erin Walling of New Carlisle, Ohio.

“We are thrilled to offer the scholarship again this year,” said Lisa Holland, president and CEO of Sheltair Aviation. “Supporting the future of business aviation is something we value deeply, and we are proud to provide education and professional development opportunities to help future aviation professionals fuel their dreams.”

Joel Hirst, Avfuel’s senior vice president of sales, said, “The Sheltair & Avfuel: Future Takes Flight Scholarship allows us to give back to the business aviation community and help some of our most passionate colleagues reach their goals. The aviation community is one in which people look out for one another—we're honored to provide financial support and empower recipients to further their business aviation education.”

The 2024 applicant pool was the strongest to date, topping 1,100 submissions—more than double the year prior.

“We were impressed by both the breadth and quality of applicants this year, which speaks highly of the scholarship recipients,” said Hirst. “We were grateful so many people chose to share their stories and aspirations with us. It was both a humbling and inspiring experience to read their submissions—I have no doubt the future of our industry will be in great hands.”

The next round of applications will be made available on January 1, 2025. A team of Avfuel and Sheltair executives will evaluate the applications to select 2025’s recipients based on essay submissions and with special consideration given to those facing financial hardship. The fourth scholarship class will be announced at NBAA-BACE 2025.

GET TO KNOW THE 2024 SCHOLARSHIP CLASS

Aaron Borgens, Aviation Technicians: Borgens plans to use the scholarship to complete his education and obtain his FAA A&P License.

“As a single father working and raising children, this scholarship is really a blessing,” Borgens said. “I am intentionally trying to secure a successful and rewarding career, and going back to school is a challenge, both financially and logistically. I am so grateful to Sheltair Aviation and Avfuel Corporation for this generous scholarship that will help cover some of the costs of achieving my dreams.”

Borgens’ passion for aviation and aeronautic technology fuels his ambition to be at the forefront of the industry, aspiring to excel as one of the top aviation technicians, specializing in building and repairing aircraft.

Cynthia Encinas

Cynthia Encinas, Learning to Fly Scholarship: Encinas intends to use the scholarship at Parrish Aviation Flight Academy to become a certified multi-engine instructor with the goal of opening a small flight school focused on multi-engine training. 

“This scholarship is ... long hoped for [and] prayed for....” said Encinas. “The path to pilot has been so emotionally and financially challenging. It means that I am able to be a better instructor to my students and a better member of the aviation world. Someday, I would love to invite others who thought flying was just a pipedream, like myself, into the cockpit and help them realize they can accomplish the same dream.”

Encinas’ passion for flight was inspired by her late father; despite facing numerous challenges, she is committed to sharing that passion with others through her love of flying.

Alyssa McColly, Continuing Education: McColly is passionate about aviation and plans to use the scholarship funds to pursue her multi-engine instructor, seaplane and A&P certifications, taking courses at Jack Brown Sea Plane Base and Aerostar Training Services. 

Of her passion for aviation, McColly said: “Every aspect of aviation excites me and I’ve formed lifelong friendships within this community. I started in this field because I fell head over heels in love with flying, but I've since grown to love the community more than the airplanes themselves.”

McColly understands the crucial role that CFIs play in shaping new pilots: “I want to impact as many students as I can while bridging mechanics and pilots ... [educating them] on the importance of aircraft systems, which is another reason I want my A&P. 

“This [scholarship] is such an unexpected blessing. I moved across the country to become a CFI...and [recently] I’ve been questioning if I’m doing the right thing. If I’m on the right track. I was waiting for a sign. This was my sign. My sign to say keep going, you’ve got this. I can’t thank [Sheltair and Avfuel] enough.”

Juan Pablo Prada Londono

Juan Pablo Prada Londono, Continuing Education: Prada Londono plans to use the scholarship to complete his pilot training at U.S. Aviation Academy, gaining essential flight hours and earning his commercial certificate.

“Receiving this scholarship is a huge milestone in my life,” said Prada Londono. “It’s not just about financial relief, but a validation of the effort my family and I have made to pursue the dream of becoming a professional pilot. I want to use this journey to help aspiring aviators, like myself, navigate the complexities of the industry.

“I am deeply grateful for this scholarship. It’s not just financial aid; it’s a vote of confidence in my potential and my dreams....This scholarship is an investment in my future and a step toward mentoring the next generation of aviators....”

Prada Londono envisions building a network for those pursuing aviation careers in the U.S., aiming to guide them throughout their journey.

“Together, we can achieve great things and inspire the next generation of aviators,” Prada Londono said.

McKell Tew

McKell Tew, Learning to Fly: Tew—a member of the U.S. Air Force Reserves—dreams of becoming a professional pilot, and will use the scholarship to fund flight hours and earn her degree from Charleston Southern University.

“Receiving the Future Takes Flight Scholarship is a transformative opportunity for me as I pursue my goal of becoming a professional pilot,” said Tew. “Not only does it alleviate some of the financial pressure of funding flight training, but also serves as a powerful reminder of the support I have from the aviation community.

"I am incredibly passionate about inspiring young females to pursue careers in aviation. I am committed to using my education ... to give back to the little girls like me that didn’t have a fighting chance otherwise. I aspire to continue building a life I am proud of and hope to earn another set of wings that will take me even farther than I could have imagined.”

Erin Walling, Aviation Technicians: Walling plans to use the scholarship to cover the expenses of completing her FAA testing and earning her FAA A&P Certification at Red Stewart Airfield. As a founding member of the Huffman Prairie chapter of Women in Aviation International, she is passionate about increasing interest and access to aviation careers, particularly for women and minorities.

“I am so extremely grateful for this opportunity,” said Walling. “Being awarded the Sheltair & Avfuel: Future Takes Flight Scholarship is going to allow me the opportunity to ... move forward in my instrument flight training.”

Walling and her husband plan to open an aviation maintenance shop, and she is also in the process of starting a local Association of Women in Aviation Maintenance chapter to extend the mentorship and support for those interested in pursuing careers in aviation maintenance.