Young Eagles Essay Contest Winner Announced

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Beth Kobily
  • 911th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

After a week of voting, the 911th Airlift Wing announced 8-year-old Evangelina Johnston as the winner of its Young Eagles Essay Contest.

“What would I do if I could fly?” said Johnston in her essay. “I would make sure I would have enough fuel to fly all the way around the world, helping people as an aviation missionary. I would deliver first aide supplies, food, school supplies. I think I could also help my country, maybe in the Air Force. Keeping my country safe.”

The top five finalists of the contest will receive a meet-and-greet with Sean D. Tucker, chairman of Young Eagles and airshow performer, May 11, 2017, while he is in Pittsburgh for the Wings Over Pittsburgh 2017 Open House. As the contest winner, Johnston will get to take this opportunity one step further as she takes flight with Tucker in his Team Oracle Aircraft.

Young Eagle’s mission is to provide a meaningful flight experience – free of charge – in a general aviation aircraft for young people. It is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, having flown over two million kids since 1992.

To read the top five essays, visit http://www.pittsburgh.afrc.af.mil/News/Open-House/Young-Eagles/.

To learn about Sean D. Tucker and his Team Oracle Aircraft, as well as other acts which will be performing during the show, visit http://www.pittsburgh.afrc.af.mil/News/Open-House/Aerial-Events/.

Video footage from the Young Eagle flight will be available onsite. Please inquire with Suzanne Herrick at 612-247-3079 concerning footage and media flights.