Meet Jaelyn Hemsworth, recipient of our chapter's 2022 Ray Aviation Scholarship. Jaelyn's journey is a great example of EAA's mission and vision to inspire and support the next generation of aviators. Read on to learn how this opportunity is helping shape her future:
"Growing up near Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), I was always surrounded by aviation. From my backyard, I could watch massive jets take off and land, their engines roaring as they carried passengers to places all over the world. Living near Fleming Field made my love for aviation even stronger. Small planes flew over my house every day, making the sky feel alive. Aviation wasn't just something I saw occasionally; it was part of my everyday life.
One of my favorite things as a kid was going to the pancake breakfasts hosted by EAA Chapter 1229 at Fleming Field. It was more than just good food, it was a chance to be around airplanes, meet pilots, and feel like I was part of the aviation world. But the moment that truly changed everything for me was my first Young Eagles flight when I was just eight years old. I'll never forget the feeling of lifting off the ground, looking down at the world below, and realizing that flying wasn't just something I could dream about, it was something I could actually do. From that moment on, I was completely hooked.
As soon as I turned sixteen, I knew it was time to take the next step. I booked a few discovery flights at Thunderbird Aviation, and the second I took the controls, I knew this was exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. But as I got further into training, I quickly realized how expensive it was. The cost of flight training was overwhelming, and for a while, I worried that my dream wasn't realistic. That was until I learned about local scholarships for student pilots. I applied, and when I found out I was selected, I literally cried tears of joy. It felt like everything I had worked for was finally coming together.
That moment completely changed my path. I got involved with my local aviation community, working closely with Bill Steier and Joe Ryan, as well as my flight instructor, Andy Ladzinski, who helped guide me through my training. Thanks to their mentorship and support, I didn't just get to keep flying, I found a real sense of belonging in aviation. What started as a childhood obsession had turned into something real, and I knew my journey was just beginning."
