Sharriah Bartlett, a junior at Verona Area High School, has been selected as the inaugural recipient of the Paul A. Fahey Aviation Scholarship, an award established to help aspiring aviators overcome financial barriers and pursue their aviation dreams, the Willa Brown Aviation Academy (WBAA) announced on Monday.
The Paul A. Fahey Aviation Scholarship was created through the generosity and vision of the Fahey family to honor the life and legacy of aviation enthusiast and supporter Paul A. Fahey. The scholarship is the first in WBAA history designed to fully fund the flight training necessary to earn a Private Pilot License, creating a transformational opportunity for a young person pursuing a future in aviation. As the scholarship’s inaugural recipient, Bartlett becomes the first student to receive a WBAA scholarship covering the complete cost of earning a Private Pilot License.
“I just came away really impressed to see the desire that you’ve had to fly at such a young age, and the scholarship you’re on with Delta, and getting down to Florida. It doesn’t shock me that we’re here today,” said John Fahey, son of Paul A. Fahey, during the scholarship award presentation.
Bartlett, a dedicated participant in WBAA programming, distinguished herself through her passion for aviation, commitment to personal growth, and clear vision for her future in the industry, according to a press release from the Willa Brown Aviation Academy. Through the scholarship, she will receive financial support for flight training, helping her take the next major step toward becoming a licensed pilot.
