By TANGELA JOHNSON

Staff Writer

Four aviation students have a lighter financial load thanks to the Professional Aviation Scholarship.

The winners, who were all required to be professional aviation majors, received $300 toward their fees. Dale Sistrunk, the head of the department of professional aviation, said the department has always tried to make aid available to qualified students.

"We have several scholarships made available in this department from alumni," Sistrunk said. "Usually the spring is when we award most of the money."

Sistrunk said the students chosen are the most deserving of the honor and he is happy some of their financial strain has been reduced.

"They are all good students and have done well," Sistrunk said. "Some of our students fly and it costs them extra money. Scholarships like this help offset their flying fees."

Chinedu Wellington, a sophomore professional aviation major, said it was a privilege to win the scholarship.

Wellington said, "I was really honored and elated because I didn't think I would get a scholarship."

Wellington said he believes that, in spite of the odds, students should continue to apply for aid and do well because they never know when it could pay off.

"If you keep hitting the books and keep your GPA high, you will probably be fortunate enough to get [a scholarship]," Wellington said.

Matthew Tregre, a senior professional aviation major, said he vividly remembers the day he discovered he was a scholarship recipient.

"A friend of mine called me and told me that he saw my name on the list of the people who received [a scholarship]," Tregre said. "I was excited and honored to hear that I had received the scholarship."

Tregre, who will be graduating in May, said these opportunities are definitely a big help with monthly fees, and he believes in awards that encourage achievement.

"It's always good to reward those who work hard with those opportunities," Tregre said.

Timothy Connely, a junior professional aviation major, was also excited to hear that he was chosen for a scholarship.

"I wish there were more scholarships out there for aviation majors, or the financial aid department could give us more student loans," said Connely. "I'm an independent student, and I'm trying to pay for it by myself."

He also said the cost is a lot more than most majors.

"It costs nearly $130 an hour to fly with a flight instructor," Connely said. "The flight fees run upwards of $30,000 to finish your degree, so any extra help is needed."

He also said he feels there would be more aviation majors if there were more aid.

Connely said, "Being that it is such an expensive major, not many people are majoring in it."

Connely said the best advice he has for students in a financial bind like himself is to never give up applying no matter what.

"Apply for anything and everything," Connely said. "Every little bit helps, and the worst they can tell an applicant is 'no.'"