During the 2014 OBATS event held at the Hilton Downtown Columbus on April 24, the Second Annual ORBAA Scholarship was presented to Carissa Marion from Kent State University. Last year’s recipient Brian Finley presented the $2,500 award on behalf of ORBAA in testimony of the value of our Workforce Development pillar.

Carissa is from Greensburg, PA, and is a Senior at Kent State graduating in Spring 2015 with a degree in Flight Technology. She is active on the KSU Flight Team, as well as Women in Aviation, and the American Association of Airport Executives. Carissa has financed her Private license by working at an upscale dining restaurant, and is progressing with her Instrument rating. She has maintained Dean’s List grades, as well as winning four additional scholarships to assist with her flight training. Carissa aspires to a professional pilot career, and is currently working for the summer as a customer service agent at a FBO located at the Akron, OH airport. Proceeds from the OBATS were used to fund this year’s $2,500 award, proving the cooperative support of our fine organization and its three pillars of focus. We look forward to generating additional funding for the 2015 scholarship award through the ORBAA Golf Outing, and through donations that can be accepted as ORBAA completes its charity taxation status later this year.

Eric Black Vice President- ORBAA