Winners Announced for Rally’s New Aviation Scholarship
The Hayward Air Rally, the longest continually-held proficiency flying event in North America, has selected Tram Do of San Jose, CA, and Ashley Lin of Union City, CA, for their new aviation scholarship.
HAYWARD, CA, May 20, 2023 -- The Hayward Air Rally, the longest continually-held proficiency flying event in North America, has selected two recipients for their new aviation scholarship. With the generous support of the City of Hayward, industry partners and sponsors, and participating rally pilots and crew, the Rally is pleased to announce
Tram Do of San Jose, CA, and Ashley Lin of Union City, CA
have been selected for the inaugural 2023 Hayward Air Rally Scholarship. Both candidates demonstrated firm commitments to a career in aviation, majoring in Aviation degrees at San Jose State University. They were each awarded $1000 scholarships to use toward their academic pursuits.
As part of the Hayward Air Rally, Inc.'s non-profit mission, the new Hayward Air Rally Scholarship is intended to help seed the next generation of aerospace industry professionals and aviation enthusiasts. It awards up to 3 candidates $500-$1000, to be used toward flight training, or toward college or vocational expenses associated with an aeronautical field (such as tuition, fees, tools, or books). The application window for the 2024 Hayward Air Rally Scholarship is planned to open later this fall in September or October 2023. You may sign up for updates at www.hwdairrally.org.
In previous years, the rally sponsored up to 3 high school aged youths to attend a one-week summer session of the EAA Air Academy in Oshkosh, WI, including tuition and roundtrip airfare. Unfortunately, due to increasing costs and logistical challenges administering this award, the rally suspended the camp sponsorship in favor of a monetary scholarship. This year the scholarship was named in honor of Ray Hazel, a long-time volunteer, participant, and supporter of the Hayward Air Rally. Ray first flew as a rally passenger in 1988, then as navigator from 1998 to 2005, winning the event in 2001. From 2006 onward, he served as the veteran timer at the final timing line each year until his passing in February 2023.
About the Hayward Air Rally
The annual rally is staged by the Hayward Air Rally, Inc., a not-for-profit California public benefit corporation and charitable organization with IRS 501(c3) status. Originally conceived by the City of Hayward’s mayor in 1964, the rally’s primary charter is to enhance general aviation safety by encouraging aircraft pilots to stay proficient in basic flight and fuel management techniques.
The 59th Annual Hayward Air Rally was conducted May 19-20, 2023, originating at the Hayward Executive Airport and continuing over a challenging and competitive central valley route, with a destination of Livermore, CA. This year's winner was Shawn Briton of El Dorado Hills, CA, a first-time entrant flying solo in his Bonanza! For more detailed information about the rally, visit the event web site www.hwdairrally.org.
