$1,000 Goes to Aviation Educator from Lakewood, OH

The Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE) recently awarded a $1,000 scholarship during the Women in Aviation International (WAI) Conference held in Dallas, TX. SAFE Chair Mark Adams presented the scholarship to instructor and WAI member Lynda Meeks.

After serving in the army and flying for a fractional airline, Meeks began a new career as a ground and flight instructor. She also founded Girls with Wings, Inc., a non-profit educational organization that promotes interest in aviation among girls, after overhearing a girl on an airline flight ask, “Mom, how come you never hear girl pilots?”

According to SAFE Director Dr. Donna Wilt, “We had many outstanding applicants for this year’s scholarship, but Lynda Meeks stood out as an aviation educator who is energized by the mentoring and teaching she provides to young girls and flight students, and by the work she does with aviation organizations.” A SAFE member as well, Meeks plans to use the money to become a CFII.

The annual SAFE scholarship is open to WAI members who are aviation educators. A committee of independent judges selects the recipients, and the funds are used to further instructional credentials, knowledge, or skills. SAFE represents nearly 700 of the industry’s top aviation educators, including numerous local, regional, and national General Aviation Awards winners.