Florida's ACE school awards $110K in college scholarships

Stolz was recognized by the Central Florida Aerospace Academy, which is closely affiliated with the Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo. He was acknowledged for his “outstanding scholastic accomplishment, exemplary character and motivating leadership.” The graduating high school senior was recognized by the group as “an influential moving force in the future of the aerospace industry” for his community service and work ethic. He received a $5,000 Top Gun Citation of Merit award plus an additional $5,000 scholarship for winning the Catshot Award—named after the catapult device that launches aviators with their airplanes from the flight decks of aircraft carriers.

Stolz’s nameplate was added to the fuselage of a Grumman F–14 Tomcat military jet on display outside the school grounds to serve “as inspiration for the underclassmen” of the nearby learning institution. Stoltz plans to major in aviation meteorology at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University while pursuing an A&P certificate.

A June 11 ceremony recognized all eight students with renewable yearly scholarships in amounts varying from $2,500 to $5,000 depending on their county of residence in Florida, with the larger awards going to Polk County residents.

Financial donors included the Ray Foundation, which also helps fund the AOPA You Can Fly scholarships.

The additional Central Florida Aviation Academy students who were awarded scholarships are: Noel Bell, who plans to pursue aviation management at Southeastern University; Isaac Castallanos, who plans to pursue aerospace science at Polk State College; Jonathan Fortin, who plans to pursue aerospace science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; Colin Jimenez, who is currently completing his private pilot certificate; Christopher Lopez, who plans to pursue aerospace engineering at  the University of Florida; Autumn Richarz, who plans to pursue aeronautical science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; and Tyler Wood, who plans to pursue aeronautical science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.