Recognition Plaza

Wouldn’t it be fun to watch teenagers learn how to accomplish something involving an airplane? And then be able to connect with them during the process and share some of the things you’ve learned along the way. I wondered if there was a way to promote aviation education for the young and, low and behold, there IS a way to provide scholarship money to selected recipients, which is also tax deductible. By purchasing a brick in the EAA Recognition Plaza, not only will you be providing scholarships, but you will also be able to commemorate that you were a member of EAA430, honor a fellow airman, or celebrate a personal milestone… in stone!

Back in June of 2019, Ken Brown came up with a Fund-Raising Activity for Scholarships. Ken reached out to Polar Engraving and provided a Paver sample. The Board of Directors called for the pavers to be offered in 2 sizes: 4x8 for $250 and 8x8 for $500 with 4 colors available. The orders will go through the chapter. The net funds will go to support the scholarship fund. The motion was seconded and unanimously approved. Since that time there have been 15 pavers purchased and placed in the Recognition Plaza. All these pavers have been in memory of someone. Although the “Pave the Way to the Future” was announced at multiple chapter gatherings, no one has stepped up to take the lead. As a result, the program has become a bit murky.

It is not exclusively a memorial garden, but a Recognition Plaza which will celebrate accomplishments of the members. Master Pilot and Master Mechanic awards can be honored, as well as being a United Flying Octogenarian. A first solo or new instrument rating could honor individual pilot advancements. EAA 430 plans on recognizing our founding members, as well as previous scholarship recipients.

Currently, you can order a paver through the EAA430 website, but there will also be a way to order and pay through the chapter. There’s a chance the board may soon offer some reduced prices for a short period of time to get the plaza expanded, so figure out what you want on your brick and be ready to strike when the iron’s hot!

I had the opportunity to buy a brick in the Anchorage Performing Arts Center courtyard back in the 1990’s but decided against it. My wife frequently brings up that we should have done that. It is fun to return to someplace and see you made an impact for good. I hope you don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate someone (even if it’s you) and pave a path in aviation for someone new. Remember we need new aviators so we can sell our planes to them when we’re done.

Ray