Name: Clari Cone
City: Fresno
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Today, the Young Eagles program has flown over 2 million kids.
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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).
