Young Eagles

Founded in 1992, the Young Eagles program is dedicated to giving youth ages 8–17, an opportunity to go flying in a general aviation airplane. These flights are offered free of charge and are made possible through the generosity of EAA member volunteers.

It’s the only program of its kind, with the sole mission to introduce and inspire kids in the world of aviation.

Today, the Young Eagles program has flown over 2 million kids. 

For more information from EAA headquarters about the Young Eagles program, visit www.youngeagles.org

Giselle Rodriguez, EAA Chapter 376’s 2024 “EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship” recipient, is a world traveler, US Junior Ambassador in Germany and she is trilingual. Giselle graduated summa cum laude, valedictorian from Bullard High School in 2024, and she volunteered in the chapter’s Young Eagles (YE) program assisting YE Coordinator, Clari Cone.

At 18 years of age Giselle has already soloed, passed her private pilot written exam, and continues to prepare for her check ride. In September Giselle began her college life at UC Santa Barbara where she is double majoring in global studies and finance, with a career goal in the airlines. To continue networking in aviation, Giselle recently applied and was accepted for TSA clearance to work at Santa Barbara Airport. She is also taking German lessons, playing rugby and learning to surf. A girl’s gotta have some fun!

Until leaving for college, Giselle lived with her parents, Carl & Rubi Garrison, at Sierra Sky Park Residential Airport in Fresno.  Giselle is fortunate to have her father, Carl, as her CFI!  She plans to return to Sierra Sky Park to finish her ratings to build her hours toward commercial airlines while completing her master’s degree. Obviously, no moss grows under this amazing young woman’s feet!

Congratulations, Giselle, on your numerous accomplishments!

Local EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship Recipient earns her Private Pilot Certificate  

By Judie Moradian, Social Media for EAA 376

Way to go, Sarah!!

On Monday, August 18, 2025, Sarah McClelland passed her check-ride and became one of Chapter 376’s newest pilots. Sarah was awarded the EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship in 2023 through EAA Chapter 376 and is now the proud recipient of her private pilot’s certificate. 

Sarah’s CFI (Certified Flight Instructor) was Alexi Lawrence for 90% of her training, which was last year. This year, she prepared for her check-ride by flying with various instructors, including EAA 376 chapter president Tim Cone.  

Sarah, a Bullard High School graduate, is 19 years old and an aerospace engineering major. Sarah believes it is incredibly fun to have another perspective on aviation than just the design side. Her goal is to become a NASA engineer and astronaut.  

When asked what advice she would give other young people in our community who dream of flying but aren’t sure where to start, Sarah replied, “My advice would be to do some ground studying and see where it takes you! I went to the ground school at EAA 376 a couple of years ago, and my only intention was to learn a little bit more about aviation out of pure curiosity. When I heard about the opportunity of a scholarship at one of the classes, I figured I may as well give it a shot, and here I am! I’m grateful for this entire experience and I feel incredibly lucky. Everyone I’ve met through the EAA has been so encouraging and it’s been a really wonderful experience.”

Congratulations, Sarah!

Sarah with her newly-minted Private Pilot Certificate at Fresno Air Terminal (KFAT).