THE CHICAGO AIRPORT SYSTEM CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH HONORING "AFRICAN-AMERICAN PIONEERS IN AVIATION" ESSAY CONTEST AWARD WINNERS
To view additional information about the Awards Ceremony, click here
CHICAGO - February 20, 2002. Today the Chicago Airport System will host the 5th annual African-American Pioneers in Aviation essay contest awards ceremony and reception. Twelve talented student's essays were selected from entries submitted by fifty Chicago and suburban schools in honor of Black History month.
Students from grades 5 through 12 were asked to write an essay about a hero or heroine in aviation, including the Tuskegee Airmen or others who shaped aviation, and those who are making history today. "We are honoring the students who have shown their commitment to outstanding achievement by researching and writing essays on contributions made by pioneers in African-American aviation," said Aviation Commissioner Thomas R. Walker.
First, second and third place prizes will be presented in four age categories. First place prizes in the four different age categories include round trip tickets for the student and their family from Chicago to any scheduled continental U. S. destination, courtesy of ATA, Southwest, United, and American Airlines. The four winners of the second place prize will receive a flying lesson from members of Chicago Youth in Aviation, and the winners of the third place prize will receive a $100 savings bond, courtesy of the Air Force Association.
Prominent African-American pioneers like Eugene Bullard and Bessie Coleman conquered racial barriers and transformed the history of aviation. "We hope that the next generation of students here today will be inspired by their predecessors whose perseverance paved the way for today's African-American aviators," added Walker.
Student essayists, parents, teachers and sponsors will be among the invited guests at the awards ceremony and reception. The first place winners will read an excerpt from their essays.
The Chicago Airport System is committed to our partnerships with the Chicago Defender, Chicago and suburban public schools, the Tuskegee Airmen, the Chicago Youth in Aviation Project, and the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program. These partnerships encourage young people to learn about and pursue careers in aviation.
