Ashley Malone, a senior aviation major at Henderson State University from Benton, has received a $2,000 scholarship from the Southeast Airport Manager’s Association (SAMA) of the American Association of Airport Executives.
The Claudia Holliway Memorial Scholarship was established for Holliway, who was the primary fund-raiser for the SAMA Foundation. Holliway was diagnosed with cancer two years ago but continued her fund-raising efforts.
The scholarship program awards 14 scholarships annually to aviation students primarily at designated partner schools across the nation. Selection is based on academic records, participation in school and community activities, work experience, a statement of goals and aspiration, financial need, and a recommendation.
When Malone checked her mail last week, she also noticed an envelope addressed from the Federal Aviation Administration.
“I had been waiting for my private pilot license for a while,” she said. “My mind began to race as I began to realize that my wait might be over. I opened the letter and found my license enclosed.
“It felt as if I had finally reached a major milestone in my academic career.”
After “rummaging” through the remainder of the mail, she found the letter notifying her of the scholarship.
“I opened and read the letter and felt the excitement all over again as I learned that I had been awarded the scholarship,” Malone said. “Receiving both letters simultaneously felt like confirmation that I was in the right field of study.”