By Mark Kolesar, EAA 294238
On September 21, 2024, members of EAA Chapters 25, 54, and 1229 worked together to promote EAA programs such as Young Eagles, local chapter activities, and AeroEducate at the annual Girls in Aviation Day put on by the Stars of the North chapter of Women in Aviation held at the Flying Cloud Airport in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
The participating chapter leaders were Kris Olson and Mark Kolesar from EAA Chapter 25 in Lakeville, Vicky Moore from Chapter 54 in Lake Elmo, and Bill Steier and Serena Townsend from Chapter 1229 in South St. Paul.
This free event was geared toward girls ages 8-17; however, everyone was welcome to attend. This was the largest Girls Day gathering in the nation today. Nearly 2,400 young aviation enthusiasts, families, and troops came to explore the Aerospace Center and exhibit hall where STEM subjects came to life with hands-on applications as well as interacting with a wide range of speakers, exhibitors, and companies, including representatives from the FAA, engineering firms, universities, flight schools, airlines, business aviation, and the military.
To make the experience even better was having an opportunity to meet with current and successful EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship recipients as well as former Young Eagles and to hear their stories about the difference receiving the scholarship and the Young Eagles ride(s) made in their lives. There is no doubt we are all making a positive difference in many young people’s lives.
