Three Cherokee High School students have earned a new community scholarship focused on aviation to honor the memory of a longtime pilot.
The Don Stevens Memorial Scholarship supports Cherokee High School students who are pursuing their private pilot's license. Mr. Stevens was a retired captain for Delta Airlines and the longtime chairman of the Cherokee County Airport Authority. His family created the scholarship, with the assistance of the Cherokee County Educational Foundation, to both honor his memory and help students with the expenses of training and obtaining their private pilot’s licenses.
The scholarship committee this spring selected the winners of the inaugural awards. Cherokee HS junior and Air Force JROTC cadet Andrew Solano won a $10,000 scholarship in pursuit of a career in aviation. He has completed more than 100 flights in a professional simulator and is currently taking online ground school courses. Fellow juniors and cadets Ethan Mann and Garrett Miller each will receive $500 scholarships.
The Cherokee County School Board and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower will recognize the winners at this month’s School Board meeting.
“Don’s love of flying led to his advocacy for improvements to our regional airport and for greater aviation education opportunities,” Dr. Hightower said. “This scholarship is a perfect tribute to Don. We’re honored to be a part of celebrating him and congratulating our students on earning these awards.”
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