The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) awarded a scholarship worth $3,000 to a student pilot during the annual Women in Aviation, International (WAI) Conference in Orlando, Florida earlier this month.

Alyssa Mae Celone was chosen out of 23 applicants to receive the scholarship that will be used toward future flight training. Each year, AOPA awards one scholarship under the WAI Scholarship program.

Applicants were evaluated on merit, including previous accomplishments, the ability to set and achieve goals, involvement in general aviation and commitment to flight training. Applicants were also asked to write an essay expressing their views on how general aviation supports local communities and the nation. “Nobody in my family is involved in aviation,” said Celone. “But my enthusiasm has sparked an interest in all of my family and friends.”

Celone is a senior in high school, maintaining a 4.4 weighted GPA while working to support her flight training. She has earned 24 hours of flight time and plans to use the scholarship money to finish her training.

WAI is a nonprofit organization encouraging women to seek opportunities and careers in aviation. Applications for the 2015 scholarships will be available July 2014 on the WAI website.