Ozarka College is pleased to announce that Ms. Abigail Shackelford of Smithville, Arkansas has received a $1,000 scholarship from the Arkansas Airport Operators Association (AAOA). Shackelford is part of the first cohort of Ozarka's new aviation program and is working to obtain an Associate of Science in Professional Pilot - Aviation.  

This award was presented at the Melbourne Municipal Airport, John E. Miller Field, in Melbourne, Arkansas on January 27, 2016. A number of factors contributed to the selection of Shackelford for this scholarship, including experience, activities, honors, goals, aspirations, and need.

Shackelford competed in High School Speech and Debate and was nationally ranked in several categories. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society as well as the Homeschool National Honor Society. Additionally, she has volunteered as an English teacher at a mission school in New Delhi, India.

In addition to the rigorous coursework, Shackelford is completing the necessary training to earn her private pilot certificate with airplane single-engine land (ASEL) rating. She plans to continue her education by attending Letourneau University where she plans to earn her commercial pilot certificate, an Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certificate, and a Bachelor's degree in Missionary Aviation with a flight concentration. Her career objective is to work for a non-profit organization in a remote region, flying in supplies to people who otherwise could not be reached.

The AAOA serves the common interests of the owners, operators and users of the 91 public use airports located throughout the State of Arkansas. The AAOA works to promote the value of aviation and airports throughout Arkansas communities andcooperates with local government agencies to promote safety in the development of airport facilities and operating procedures.

For additional information about the Ozarka College Aviation program, please contact program Director, Nick Lenczycki, at 870.368.7926 or email:  nick.lenczycki@ozarka.edu. Program information is also available on the web at: ozarka.fly.edu

Photo Caption: Pictured left to right are Nick Lenczycki, Ozarka College Director of Aviation, Abigail Shackelford, AAOA scholarship recipient, and Suellen Davidson, Ozarka College Director of Advancement.